UCLA researchers determine toxic levels of Alzheimer's clusters in brain

Scientists have long suspected that Alzheimer's disease (AD) is caused by a small protein called the amyloid beta-protein (Abeta). This protein clumps or binds to itself, eventually changing chemically to create brain protein deposits (plaques) that are characteristic of AD. However, recent studies have suggested that it is not the plaques that cause AD but rather these small, grape-like clusters of Abeta. These clusters vary in size, and the relationship between cluster size and their ability to kill nerve cells (toxicity) has never been determined accurately...

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