Vanhenemistestit

Vanhenemistestit, also known as senile plaques, are a hallmark feature of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. They are composed of abnormal aggregates of the protein beta-amyloid (Aβ), which are deposited in the brain, particularly in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus. These plaques are believed to interfere with normal brain function by disrupting synaptic transmission and causing inflammation.

The formation of senile plaques is thought to be a result of the abnormal processing of the amyloid precursor protein (APP), a membrane-spanning protein found in the brain. APP is normally processed by enzymes to produce soluble fragments that are involved in various cellular functions. However, in Alzheimer's disease, the processing of APP is altered, leading to the accumulation of Aβ and the formation of senile plaques.

Senile plaques are typically found in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus, regions of the brain that are crucial for memory and learning. The presence of these plaques is associated with cognitive decline and the development of dementia. However, it is important to note that the formation of senile plaques is not the sole cause of Alzheimer's disease, and other factors, such as the accumulation of tau protein in neurofibrillary tangles, also play a significant role.

The diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease is based on a combination of clinical and laboratory findings, including the presence of senile plaques. However, the exact role of senile plaques in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease is still not fully understood, and ongoing research is focused on elucidating their role and developing potential therapeutic targets.