We know about Alzheimer’s symptoms, but what is brain plaque, and what happens in the brain before symptoms appear?
Researchers have been focusing on how brain plaque contributes to Alzheimer’s disease since Dr. Alois Alzheimer noticed strange clumps in a patient’s brain after her death. When toxic proteins like beta-amyloid and tau accumulate in the brain, they form plaques and tangles.
Some researchers suggest these plaques and tangles resemble Swedish meatballs when examined under a microscope. Scientists are still looking into why some people have more plaques and tangles in their brains than others. However, they believe genetics and lifestyle choices play a role.
