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- Glossary
Beta-amyloid
A peptide consisting of 36 to 42 amino acids that is considered the main component of senile plaques and is believed to be responsible for the development of Alzheimer's disease. The starting product is the amyloid precursor protein (APP). Certain enzymes in the cell membrane cut the precursor protein into peptides of various sizes. Amyloids consisting of 40 and 42 amino acids are found in senile plaques, with the 42-amino-acid product forming aggregates particularly quickly, at least in the Petri dish. The normal function of beta-amyloid has not yet been conclusively clarified.
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- Glossary
Oligomer
Chemists define an oligomer as a molecule composed of several structurally similar or identical units. Typically, an oligomer consists of a few monomers (e.g., 2–10, occasionally up to about 30). An example from biochemistry is collagen, which is composed of three identical polypeptide chains and occurs as a trimeric protein in connective tissue. If the number of building blocks significantly exceeds this range, as is the case with DNA, it is referred to as a polymer. Oligomers of beta-amyloid may play an important role in the development of Alzheimer's disease.
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- Glossary
Tau protein
Tau proteins are particularly prevalent in the central nervous system. Their function is to stabilize microtubules – the structures that give cells their shape and support. Under certain circumstances, enzymes attach too many phosphate groups to tau proteins. As a result, the proteins are no longer broken down properly and form toxic aggregates within the neurons. Alongside senile plaques, aggregated tau proteins are considered a classic hallmark of Alzheimer's disease.
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- Topic
The Glymphatic System
The brain also produces waste. And the brain also has a waste disposal system.
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- Glossary
Dementia
Dementia is an acquired deficit of cognitive, social, motor, and emotional abilities. The most well-known form is Alzheimer's disease. "De mentia" means "without mind" in English.
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- Basics
- Anatomy
The Hippocampus
The hippocampus is crucial for the formation of new memory content.
23.08.2011
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- Topic
Intruders
Or: Attack on the brain!
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- Basics
- The Developing Brain
Like Mother, like Child
Like mother, like son: Key regulatory circuits in the brain and genes are calibrated before birth
10.02.2026
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- News
- Question to the brain
How does the brain age?
What happens to the brain as we age?
25.05.2025
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- News
- Question to the brain
Do we only use a Fraction of our Brain?
I read that we only use 10 or 25 percent of our brain capacity. Is that true?
12.08.2025
