Amyloids

Amyloids are pieces of protein that occur naturally in the brain. Normally they are collected, broken down, and removed from the brain. Research shows that amyloids are involved in Alzheimer's disease. Beta-amyloid (a type of amyloid) is normally eliminated from the brain. But in Alzheimer's patients the beta-amyloid is not removed and due to its 'sticky' consistency it builds up forming thick shells and clumps called amyloid plaque. This beta-amyloid plaque can begin to block synaptic signals between neurons and cause an autoimmune response that disrupts neural functioning.