Fish model of Alzheimer's Pathology

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), which is clinically characterized by a gradual deterioration of cognitive function, is the most common form of dementia (Brookmeyer et al. 1998). It affects approximately 7-10% of individuals over the age of 65, and as many as 40% of individuals over the age of 80. These demographics are expected to grow, as average life expectancy continues to increase, and a growing percentage of the population is above the age of 65 years (Sisodia 1999).
Pathologically, AD is characterized by three forms of neurodegeneration: intraneuronal neurofibrillary tangles, dystrophic neurons, and extracellular amyloid deposits in cerebral vessels and neuritic plaques (Selkoe et al. 1986). Cerebral amyloid deposits consist primarily of b-amyloid peptide (Ab), which can aggregate spontaneously to form fibrils that deposit in the extra-cellular tissue spaces and cerebral vasculature. This peptide ranges in size from 39-43 amino acids (the most common form being Ab1-42) and ...