Frequently Asked Questions: Research

The hallmark of Alzheimer's disease is development of plaques and tangles of certain proteins in the brain.

The plaques are made up of a form of a protein called amyloid. Amyloid is formed when a larger protein, called Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP) is broken down into small pieces. One of the small proteins formed during this process is called amyloid-beta, which is thought to be a major cause of nerve cell death.

Many researchers believe amyloid-beta could be a good target for future drug treatments but first more research is needed to fully understand its role in Alzheimer's disease. A number of treatments based on amyloid are currently in clinical trials.

Research into amyloid funded by Alzheimer's Society

• Tracking amyloid-beta production in nerve cells

Lead Investigator: Dr Claire Futter
Institution: University College London

• Evaluating a new antibody therapy to prevent Alzheimer's disease

Lead Investigator: Dr Mark Good & Dr Emma Kidd
Institution: Cardiff University

• A new drug to improve memory?

Lead Investigator: Professor Karl Peter Giese
Institution: Kings College London

• Developing a new antibody to prevent Alzheimer's disease

Lead Investigator: Dr Emma Kidd
Institution: Cardiff University

• Investigating formation of amyloid plaques

Lead Investigator: Dr Declan McLoughlin
Institution: King's College London