Alzheimer's disease was first described by Alois Alzheimer in 1906, and first appeared in the medical literature in 1907. The medical community has been ruminating about Alzheimer's disease for over 100 years, and only recently have Alzheimer's disease therapies begun to emerge. However, many vital questions remain, pertinent not only to physicians but to the public at large. For example, how likely is it that a particular individual will develop Alzheimer's disease? What can one do to avoid getting Alzheimer's disease? What are the current and promising treatments for Alzheimer's disease? While there are grey areas, the Alzheimer's disease field is beginning to find solid answers to these questions. There are risk factors that individuals can control, and emerging treatments are cause for optimism.

Creativity in the context of neurologic illness is extremely complicated, but fascinating and inspiring to those who study it. Artistic people with degenerative diseases often are still compelled to engage in their creative talents after developing a neurologic illness. In some cases, people with these disorders even develop new abilities that did not exist prior to onset of illness. Those who study creativity and dementia must first address a fundamental neurologic question: Where in this elegant structure does the ability to produce art come from?

The diagnosis of dementia has always represented both a challenging and hastened end to life. William, born in 1924, grew up on a farm, served in World War II, and became a successful restaurateur. His dementia began at 57 years of age and lasted 9 years. By year 3 he could no longer be managed at home and was placed in a nursing home. By year 5, he no longer knew his children, and at year 6, he could no longer speak. William's family described his eventual passing as a blessing, saying that he had been released from a terrible prison. Although the painful reality of this disorder continues, there has been significant progress in Alzheimer's disease treatment and now, optimism about the future of Alzheimer's disease management.

Many efforts are being made to medically manage or eliminate Alzheimer's disease. Millions of family members, friends, and professionals are serving as caregivers for those with the disorder. These two efforts are important, but they are not enough. The public must also be educated in order to reduce the risk for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias in younger generations. These various goals can be accomplished through many different community-focused activities, including care and support for families; public awareness; community, patient, and professional education; research; and advocacy.

William Utermohlen was born in 1933. Upon completing his Bachelor's degree at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, he joined the Army and then moved to England to study at the University of Oxford. This is where he met his wife, Patricia. Bill painted scenes from his childhood in Philadelphia, images of Vietnam War veterans, and pictures inspired by Dante's Inferno. Later, many of his paintings depicted family life, conversations with friends, and his home—they were happy pictures.