4 ms·
As I recall, several studies have also shown that people can have high levels of amyloid-beta plaques (ABPs) in the brain and not show any signs of dementia. B
by randcraw 5y ago
As I recall, several studies have also shown that people can have high levels of amyloid-beta plaques (ABPs) in the brain and not show any signs of dementia.
Between the two outcomes (ABPs exist but there's no decline, and ABPs are removed but dementia persists), the prevailing interpretation is that ABPs alone do not cause Alzheimer's. They seem to arise along with the cognitive loss, though not cause it.
Tau deposits and associated neurofibrillary tangles have also been implicated in dementia, but also can be absent in those with the disease, so they too are not directly causal.
- catlikesshrimp 5y agoEverything you said is still consistent with the beta amyloid theory. The plaques don't cause dementia, they are supposed to lead to damage. Once dementia sets in, there is no turning back, the neuronal network has been damaged enough and you can't replace neurons (not most of them) Dementia is the main symptom of Alzheimer. And there are other causes of dementia, too.
- ABetaMale 5y agoThe current most plausible perspective is amyloid-β pathology causes tau pathology which causes neurodegeneration. Thus it's not surprising that amyloid-β pathology can exist without neurodegeneration, if there is no tau pathology (or none yet). However, I have not heard of the opposite: people with cognitive decline and amyloid-β pathology but no tau pathology.