One pathological hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease is the accumulation of ß-amyloid, called ‘amyloid plaques’, in the brain, caused by the overproduction of ß-amyloid and/or the failure of clearance mechanisms. In a healthy brain, the peptide ß-amyloid is broken down and eliminated. In people who develop Alzheimer’s disease, ß-amyloid accumulates between brain cells, interfering with their normal functioning and their connections to other brain cells. Thus, this peptide represents an important therapeutic target for Alzheimer’s disease: if ß-amyloid can again be broken down.

Watch the EPAD amyloid video to know more about ß-amyloid: