Alzheimer’s Disease
A prominent feature of Alzheimer’s Disease is the formation of senile plaques in selected regions of the brain, the center of which is occupied by an amyloid deposit composed mainly of amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide
Every 72 seconds, someone in the world is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). After age 85, one in every two people will be diagnosed with this progressively deteriorating disease that includes memory loss, confusion, problems with judgment, planning and concentration, and personality changes. In its later stages, AD also affects physical abilities. The disease’s causes, cures, and preventions are unknown; however, some proteins likely involved in the degenerative mechanism have been identified.

Alzheimer’s Disease is characterized by neuronal loss, alterations in neurotransmitter systems, and the presence of neurofibrillary tangles composed of abnormal tau paired helical filaments. A prominent feature of Alzheimer’s Disease is the formation of senile plaques in selected regions of the brain, the center of which is occupied by an amyloid deposit composed mainly of amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide. The Aβ peptide is cleaved from the larger amyloid-β precursor protein (APP) by β- and γ-secretase.

Caspases also have a role in APP processing and the biogenesis of Aβ peptides. Millipore offers antisera to APP, Aβ, β-site APP cleaving enzyme (BACE), neurofibrillary tangles, Tau proteins, presenilins and nicastrin. Since a prominent feature of Alzheimer’s Disease is the degeneration of cholinergic neurons, Millipore also provides several markers for acetylcholine-containing neurons, as well as acetylcholine receptors.

As the population ages, more research dollars will be devoted to finding a cure. Millipore has the scope and resources to assist researchers in identifying new targets – ultimately benefiting scientists, families who are devastated by this disorder, and society as a whole.