Researchers have known since the early 20th century that a characteristic sign of Alzheimer’s disease is that it leaves sufferers’ brains riddled with plaques. The key ingredient of the plaques is a fragment of a protein known as amyloid precursor protein (APP). The fragment itself is called amyloid beta (Aβ). The causes of excessive Aβ are often maddeningly elusive. That’s partially because a wealth of environmental and genetic factors probably contribute to risk. But another significant question also obscures scientists’ view of Alzheimer’s origins: Do patients’ brains make more Aβ, or are they unable to clear it out quickly enough? A new test developed by Hope Center researchers Randall Bateman, M.D. and David Holtzman, M.D. may finally help resolve this mystery.

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