Amyloid-Beta (AB) is a peptide crucially involved in Alzheimer’s disease. AB is derived from the amyloid precursor protein, which is then cleaved by beta secretase or gamma secretase to create AB.

Amyloid beta’s normal functions aren’t quite understood but are thought to have positive effects, including:

• Activation of enzymes [R]

• Protection against oxidative stress [R]

• Regulating cholesterol transport [R]

• Functioning as a transcription factor [R]

• Antimicrobial activity [R]

When Amyloid-beta is misfolded, it can aggregates and become toxic to nerve cells measurable in the blood.

Another similarly misfolded protein called the tau protein is implicated in Alzheimer's disease. It may be influenced by AB.

Targeting the increased activity of AB and reducing it has been promising in delaying or treating Alzheimer’s symptoms.