Pharmaceutical companies have made a habit of targeting the wrong cause (acetylcholinesterase inhibitors which are basically useless since as the disease progresses acetylcholinesterase activity declines by 85 percent), one aspect of the disease (Namenda as an antagonist for NMDA receptors), or insisting on a partially flawed mechanism for the disease (amyloid plaques).

FORBES: Pharma's Reputation Continues to Suffer -- What Can Be Done To Fix It?

Many doctors are still reluctant to prescribe sleeping pills, which are considered potentially habit-forming and, for many users, cause next-day hangovers.

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In a way that doesn't hurt anyone or cause any natural disasters, she added, out of habit.

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As Americans kick the smoking habit, investors in these securities may take the hit as dwindling cigarette sales cause payments to fall off a cliff.

FORBES: Bondholders Likely to Suffer From States' Tobacco-Funding Addiction