The development of amyloid beta protein deposits in the aged brain.
The deposition of amyloid beta protein (Abeta) in the human brain and the generation of neurofibrillary tangles are the histopathological hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease. Accumulation of Abeta takes place in senile plaques and in cerebrovascular deposits as a result of an imbalance between Abeta production and clearance. This Review describes the different types of Abeta deposits, which can be distinguished by their morphology and by the hierarchical involvement of distinct areas of the brain in Abeta deposition. The role of intracellular Abeta in Abeta deposition and the mechanism of Abeta toxicity are also discussed.
Thal
Dietmar R
DR
Department of Neuropathology, University of Bonn, D-53105 Bonn, Germany. dietmar.thal@uni-bonn.de
Capetillo-Zarate
Estibaliz
E
Del Tredici
Kelly
K
Braak
Heiko
H
D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000503:physiopathology; D016229:Amyloid beta-Peptides / Q000378:metabolism*; D001921:Brain / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D058225:Plaque, Amyloid / Q000145:classification / Q000473:pathology*
D016229:Amyloid beta-Peptides