1980s: From the 1970s through the 1980s, the number of French women entering the workforce rises. The service sector in France employs the highest proportion of women.

Today: In recent years, more women in France are working part-time instead of full-time due to a decline in the number of full-time jobs available and a new trend in working patterns.

1980s: As the 1980s open, rural areas are continuing their trend of declining populations.

Today: At the beginning of the 1990s, France's urban population is 74.5 percent and its rural population 24.5 percent.

1980s: Although Alzheimer's disease was first documented in 1906, people with Alzheimer's had few places to turn to for assistance until 1979. That year, the Alzheimer's Association was founded. Throughout the following decade,the Association disseminates information about the disease and establishes grants to fund research projects.

Today: In 2000, the Alzheimer's Association co-hosts World Alzheimer Congress...