Plaques and Tangles

Plaques and tangles are abnormal structures linked to Alzheimer's disease, affecting brain function. Plaques are clumps of a protein called beta-amyloid that accumulate between nerve cells, disrupting communication. Tangles are twisted fibers of another protein called tau that form inside nerve cells, causing internal damage and cell death. Together, these build-ups interfere with normal brain processes, leading to memory loss, confusion, and other cognitive difficulties associated with Alzheimer's. Understanding these features helps researchers develop treatments aimed at preventing or reducing their formation and slowing disease progression.