Amyloid Protein Plaque Apr 2026

Understanding Amyloid Protein Plaques: The Biological Hallmarks of Alzheimer's

New FDA-approved blood tests for diagnosing Alzheimer's disease amyloid protein plaque

Amyloid protein plaques are hard, insoluble accumulations of proteins that build up in the spaces between nerve cells (neurons) in the brain. Considered a primary hallmark of Alzheimer's Disease (AD) , these plaques disrupt critical cell-to-cell communication and trigger a cascade of neurodegeneration. 1. How Plaques Form How Plaques Form The process begins with the

The process begins with the , a protein typically found in the membranes of neurons. : These sticky fragments clump together, first forming

: In a healthy brain, these fragments are cleared away. In Alzheimer’s, an imbalance between protein production and clearance leads to an accumulation of Aβ42 , a particularly "sticky" form of the protein.

: These sticky fragments clump together, first forming small groups called oligomers, and eventually maturing into the large, dense deposits known as senile plaques . 2. Impact on Brain Function

Once plaques establish themselves in the brain's cortex and hippocampus, they cause significant damage: