1. Abnormal Structures
Amyloid plaques are abnormal structures that mass outside nerve cells in the brain. The make-up of plaques are beta-amyloid, a usually harmless protein found throughout the body. Scientists say genetic mutations of beta-amyloid cause the formation of amyloid plaque, a sticky substance toxic to neurons. In large amounts, it causes neuron death. When the neurons die, the plaque forms. Since the human body can't break down these clumps of plaque, they start to grow in the brain. A large number of these structures can play a major role in neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. People with Alzheimer's disease have brains filled with amyloid plaques, particularly in the areas of the brain that deal with higher function.
2. Amyloid Plaque is Culprit
Alzheimer's disease is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States. About five millions older Americans are victims of this progressive and fatal breakdown of the brain. Researchers have identified amyloid plaque as one of the main culprits in the disease.
3. First Identified in Early 20th Century
Dr. Alois Alzheimer, a German physician, first identified Alzheimer's disease and amyloid plaque in 1906. He did an autopsy on a woman who had developed an unusual form of dementia. When studying her brain tissue, he found abnormal clumps of a cobweb-like protein. Scientists now refer to these clumps as amyloid plaque.
4. Normal Part of Aging?
Almost every person develops some plaque in the brain. It's a normal part of aging. For some reason, the amount is huge in some, leading to Alzheimer's disease. The plaque starts forming in the areas of the brain that deal with learning and memory. Eventually the plaque builds up and spreads to other parts of the brain. Scientists believe the main cause of amyloid plaque may be gene mutations in some inherited forms of Alzheimer's. Experiments on mice proved this theory to have some validity. Mice injected with mutant genes showed large deposits of amyloid plaque.
5. Experimental Treatments
Researchers working on experimental Alzheimer's treatments are hopeful that one day a patient can have a brain scan as part of routine medical procedures that come with growing older. The scan will identify the beginning of amyloid plaque. Treatment can begin years before a person actually starts to develop Alzheimer' disease. Scientists say finding a way to stop the production of amyloid plaque may be the key to preventing Alzheimer's disease, or at least delay it by several years. They also theorize that it may be helpful for patients in the first stages of Alzheimer's disease to take cholesterol-lowering drugs. Since these medications stop or slow down the production of plaque sticking to the arteries, there is a possibility they could also hinder the production of plaque in the brain.
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