Alz research

Large-scale study maps the first step in Alzheimer's protein aggregation

https://l.smartnews.com/p-lJnzuLm/C0fale

In Alzheimer's disease, two main proteins, amyloid beta and tau, play a crucial role in the development of the disease. Amyloid beta forms plaques, and tau forms tangles, both of which disrupt brain cell function. Here's a more detailed look:

Amyloid Beta:
This protein is a component of the amyloid plaques that form outside of neurons, interfering with their communication. Research suggests that amyloid beta may be a key trigger in Alzheimer's, and treatments targeting it are being developed. 
Tau:
Tau protein normally helps stabilize microtubules within neurons. In Alzheimer's, tau becomes misfolded and forms tangles inside neurons, disrupting their function and leading to cell death.
Amyloid Plaques:
These are clumps of amyloid beta protein that accumulate in the brain, disrupting normal neuronal connections and communication.
Tau Tangles:
These are twisted masses of tau protein that build up inside neurons, leading to their damage and death. In addition to these two proteins, other proteins and processes are also involved in the development of Alzheimer's, and research is ongoing to identify more factors and develop more effective treatments.