beta-amyloid

noun

be·​ta-am·​y·​loid ˈbā-tə-ˈa-mə-ˌlȯid 

variants or beta-amyloid protein or beta-amyloid peptide

: an amyloid that is derived from a larger precursor protein and is the primary component of plaques characteristic of Alzheimer's disease

… beta-amyloid is the main component of the plaques, or brain lesions, found in the estimated 4 million Americans afflicted with Alzheimer's disease.

—Discover

… researchers in California have created mice carrying the gene for beta-amyloid protein, the principal component of the plaques riddling the brains of people with Alzheimer's.

—Charlene Crabb

… he never underwent an autopsy that would have shown unequivocally whether the gummy mess of beta-amyloid plaques that is the telltale symptom of Alzheimer's had infected his brain.

—Michael Greenberg

called also A-beta, amyloid beta, amyloid beta peptide, amyloid beta protein

Examples of beta-amyloid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

One of the hallmarks of Alzheimer's is the development of amyloid plaques in the brain, which occurs when a naturally occurring protein, beta-amyloid, clumps together to form plaques that disrupt nerve cell function, according to the NIH. —Lauren De Young, The Arizona Republic, 16 Nov. 2024

While the development of beta-amyloid clusters and an explosion of tau tangles is thought to drive Alzheimer’s disease, unchecked drivers of chronic diseases fan the flame of inflammation in the brain, said Isaacson, who was not involved in the new study. —Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 14 Aug. 2024

In some cases, advanced imaging such as PET scans or spinal fluid tests to detect biomarkers like beta-amyloid and tau proteins are also used, but there is still a pressing need for simpler and quicker diagnostic tools for use in primary care, according to Hansson. —Lauryn Higgins, Health, 3 Aug. 2024

This type of diet aims to increase the nutrients that protect the brain and inhibit beta-amyloid deposits found in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s. —Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 2 Aug. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1987, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

beta-amyloid

noun

be·​ta-am·​y·​loid

variants also β-amyloid

-ˈam-ə-ˌlȯid 

or beta-amyloid protein or beta-amyloid peptide

: an amyloid that is derived from amyloid precursor protein and is the primary component of plaques characteristic of Alzheimer's disease

called also A-beta, amyloid beta, amyloid beta peptide, amyloid beta protein