Amyloid beta (Aβ)

Amyloid beta (Aβ) is a protein fragment that plays a significant role in the development of Alzheimer’s disease, a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by the accumulation of abnormal protein deposits in the brain, including plaques formed by the aggregation of amyloid beta and tangles formed by the accumulation of tau protein. Here are some key points about amyloid beta:

• Production and Accumulation

Amyloid beta is a product of the metabolism of a larger protein called amyloid precursor protein (APP). In healthy individuals, it’s produced and cleared from the brain. However, in Alzheimer’s disease, the balance between production and clearance is disrupted, leading to the accumulation of amyloid beta plaques.

• Plaques Formation

Amyloid beta molecules can aggregate and form plaques between nerve cells (neurons) in the brain. These plaques are believed to interfere with communication between neurons and contribute to the death of nerve cells.

• Neurotoxicity

The aggregated forms of amyloid beta are thought to be neurotoxic, causing inflammation, oxidative stress, and damage to neurons. This contributes to the cognitive decline and memory loss characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease.

• Tau Protein

Alongside amyloid beta, tau protein also accumulates in Alzheimer’s disease. Tau forms twisted tangles within neurons, disrupting their internal structure and transport mechanisms.

• Early Detection

The accumulation of amyloid beta in the brain can begin years before clinical symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease appear. Advances in brain imaging techniques have allowed researchers to detect amyloid beta plaques in living individuals, aiding in early diagnosis and potential interventions.