The central role of Ab amyloid in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease

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The details of the molecular neuropathology of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), from the amyloid precursor protein (APP) through to the production of amyloid Ab, plaque formation, neurodegeneration and to final neuronal death are discussed in this chapter. This process, like Alexander’s Gordian knot, has been scrutinized over the last three decades with the ongoing hope that a decisive therapeutic incision is not too distant. Points in the biochemical pathway that may be amenable to therapeutic intervention are highlighted.