Amyloid plaque

Amyloid plaques are abnormal clusters of protein fragments that accumulate between neurons in the brain. These plaques are primarily made of a protein called amyloid-beta, which is a normal byproduct of brain activity. In Alzheimer's disease, these proteins clump together and form sticky deposits, disrupting cell communication and triggering inflammation. Over time, this damage contributes to the cognitive decline characteristic of the disease. The presence of amyloid plaques is a key feature used to diagnose Alzheimer's and understand its progression.