Plaque | Amyloid Protein

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

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

: 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. The process begins with the , a protein

: Enzymes called secretases (specifically β-secretase and γ-secretase) cut APP into smaller fragments. The process begins with the

: 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