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.
NP: I read the first Harry Potter at home on a Saturday morning. It was brilliant â a huge, original story which felt so visual and filmic. I came in raving about it on Monday morning. David asked what it was called and I told him: Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. DH: I said: I'm not sure about the title.