Abstract
It is an interesting sociological phenomenon that Alzheimer's disease (AD) is suddenly being thrust into public attention by increasing numbers of lay groups and organisations. One cannot be sure whether the medical profession is leading or being led by the impetus generated by these Alzheimer's Disease Associations, but one can safely predict that the research effort into the etiology and pathogenesis of this disease will increase dramatically over the next decade; rightfully so, as this malignant disease contributes immensely to the morbidity of our aging population.