"Neuritic plaques"

Neuritic plaques are clumps found in the brain that are commonly associated with Alzheimer's disease. They are composed mainly of beta-amyloid protein, which accumulates between neurons, disrupting normal cell function. These plaques can interfere with communication between brain cells, leading to memory loss and cognitive decline. They are considered a hallmark of Alzheimer's pathology and contribute to the damage seen in affected brains. Understanding neuritic plaques helps researchers study the progression of neurodegenerative diseases and develop potential treatments.