Study Reveals Possible Biochemical Trigger for Alzheimer's Disease

A study in Alzheimer's Research & Therapy has identified biochemical differences in how the brains of people with Alzheimer's process the amyloid precursor protein (APP), reports Medical News Today . The researchers suggest the manner in which APP is "labeled" with sugar molecules may determine whether it gets broken down into beta-amyloid, which helps form insoluble plaques in the brain, or a harmless type of fragment. "We have discovered that the glycosylation of the amyloid precursor in the brains of Alzheimer's patients is altered," said Javier Sáez-Valero at Spain's Instituto de Neurociencias de Alicante. "And, therefore, this protein is probably being processed in a different way. We believe that this different way of processing leads to more beta-amyloid and to the triggering of the pathology." Fragments of APP penetrate the cerebrospinal fluid that immerses the brain and spinal cord, and the finding that these fragments are glycosylated differently in people with Alzheimer's suggests they could be used as biomarkers of the disease. This also could potentially inspire the design of treatments that prevent the creation of beta-amyloid and plaque buildup.