Aβ (Amyloid-beta)

Amyloid-beta (Aβ) is a small protein fragment produced in the brain when a larger protein called amyloid precursor protein (APP) is cut by specific enzymes. Normally, Aβ is cleared away, but in Alzheimer's disease, it accumulates and forms sticky clumps called plaques. These plaques disrupt communication between brain cells and can trigger inflammation and cell death, contributing to memory loss and cognitive decline. Understanding Aβ is important because it has been linked to the development of Alzheimer's, and many treatments aim to reduce or remove these protein deposits to slow disease progression.