Amyloid: Protein Plaque

: Enzymes called secretases (specifically β-secretase and γ-secretase) cut APP into smaller fragments.

The process begins with the , a protein typically found in the membranes of neurons. amyloid protein plaque

: 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 1. How Plaques Form

Once plaques establish themselves in the brain's cortex and hippocampus, they cause significant damage: first forming small groups called oligomers

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

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