AB42 in CSF strongly correlates with amyloid in brain

Some researchers believe that flaws in processes governing production, accumulation or disposal of amyloid protein in the brain are the primary cause of Alzheimer's. AB42 is a particularly sticky variety of amyloid protein fragment that is more likely to aggregate into small clusters and eventually into the plaques that are considered one hallmark of the Alzheimer's brain.

In a new study presented at the 2008 International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease, in Chicago, USA, a team of US researchers reported on a much larger cohort (n=132; aged 45-88 years, mean 65.7). This group included individuals who were non-demented plus those with very mild or mild dementia. Consistent with the prior study, the researchers found a striking inverse relation between brain amyloid and levels of AB42 in CSF.