Definition of Alzheimer's. 1  Alzheimer's disease is a progressive, degenerative disorder that attacks the brain's nerve cells, or neurons, resulting in loss of memory, thinking and language skills, and behavioral changes. Origin of the term Alzheimer's disease dates back to 1906 when Dr. Alois Alzheimer, a German physician, presented a case history before a medical meeting of a 51-year-old woman who suffered from a rare brain disorder. 2  A brain autopsy identified the plaques and tangles that today characterize Alzheimer's disease.
Since the release of the first novel, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, on 30 June 1997, the books have gained immense popularity, critical acclaim and commercial success worldwide.
While a hardcover first edition first printing of J.K. Rowlingâs debut book Harry Potter and the Philosopherâs Stone, of which there were only 500 printed, can go up to $45,000, a hardcover first edition first printing of the second in the series, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, costs around $7,000.