Problem proteins in Alzheimer s

Health - Jonathan Wood | 01 Mar 11. In Alzheimer's disease , two proteins are known to accumulate and build up in the brain. One protein called amyloid β aggregates into large disruptive 'plaques', while tau protein forms tangled fibres within nerve cells. Research has tended to focus on amyloid β, since small numbers of these proteins bound together are known to be toxic to the neurons in the brain. But there is some evidence to suggest tau protein may also be involved in the processes which eventually lead to the memory problems and cognitive decline seen in Alzheimer's. Researchers at Oxford University have used a sensitive laboratory model of learning and memory to investigate any connection between amyloid β and tau. They found that tau is absolutely required for amyloid β to disrupt the function of the mouse nerve cells in the lab model.