Alzherimer’s disease (AD) is an irreversible neurodegenerative disorder that interferes with memory and cognition. AD is thought to be caused by the build-up of amyloid plaques and tau protein tangles in the brain that cause neurons to die. How does AD relate to immunology? The brain’s immune system is thought to be a key factor in the development of AD; specifically, the microglia are involved in AD. Microglia are immune cells in the brain that normally clear toxins and debris. In AD patients, microglia appear to not perform their function well or even contribute to the development of the disease. Some scientists hypothesize that amyloid proteins, the proteins that form plaque in the brain in AD patients, activate microglia, which perform properly at first. As more amyloid is produced, the system becomes unregulated. Understanding the microglia activation system is essential in understanding AD and developing treatments.
By: Lourdes Kaufman