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Amyloid-Beta Plaques

Meaning

Amyloid-Beta Plaques are extracellular deposits of misfolded and aggregated amyloid-beta (Aβ) peptides that accumulate in the brain parenchyma, representing a primary pathological hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). These dense, insoluble protein aggregates are neurotoxic and disrupt synaptic function, ultimately contributing to neuronal loss and cognitive decline. In the context of hormonal health, the deposition rate of these plaques is notably influenced by endocrine factors, particularly sex and stress hormones. Understanding their formation is central to exploring the intersection of hormonal aging and neurodegenerative risk.