Congratulations to on your new publication!
Congratulations to Dr. Steven DeKosky on his recent scholarly contribution to the book Metabolism of Human Diseases, published in January 2026. Dr. DeKosky authored the chapter titled “Alzheimer’s Disease,” offering valuable insights into the metabolic dimensions of this complex neurodegenerative condition. This work reflects his continued leadership and expertise in the field and represents an important contribution to the scientific and clinical understanding of Alzheimer’s disease.
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder and the leading cause of dementia in the elderly, accounting for about 60–80% of all cases. Currently in the United States there is an estimated 6.5 million people aged 65 and older who have AD dementia, and it is predicted that by 2050 their number will be close to 13 million (Hebert et al, Neurology 80:1778–1783, 2013). AD has an immensely detrimental socioeconomic impact on patients, their families, and caregivers. It is also a huge burden to the healthcare system, as without effective interventions, the cost of care for AD and other dementias will increase from 321 billion in 2022 to nearly 1 trillion per year by 2050 (Alzheimer’s Association. Alzheimer’s disease facts and figures report, 2022. https://www.alz.org/media/documents/alzheimers-facts-and-figures.pdf). Clinical onset of AD is most commonly heralded by short-term memory loss, which worsens gradually and is accompanied by language disturbances, apathy, and impairments in executive function and daily functioning. Neuropsychiatric symptoms (e.g., depression, anxiety, hallucinations) are frequent in mid to late stages. End-stage AD is characterized by extensive neuropathology changes and severe dementia. Therapeutic efforts to cure, slow, or prevent the disease have not yet been successful.