Chapter 4 - Basics of amyloid β-protein in Alzheimer’s disease

Amyloid β(Aβ) accumulates in the brains of patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Based on the amyloid hypothesis and the oligomeric hypothesis that evolved from it, Aβ-aggregated substances are considered to be the etiology. In addition, gene mutations found in familial Alzheimer’s disease (FAD) indicate that increased Aβ production and aggregation are at risk for AD. Immunotherapy for Aβ and suppression of aggregation are under development as anti-AD therapeutic agents.