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.
For the 2002 film adaptation, see Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (film). Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets is the second book in the Harry Potter series, written by J.K. Rowling. It was first published in 1998. All page numbers refer to the hardcover, American edition published by Arthur A. Levine Books, an imprint of Scholastic, Inc. ISBN 0-439-06486-4.