Neuron Killers

Misfolded, clumping proteins evade conviction, but they remain prime suspects in neurodegenerative diseases

As open-and-shut cases go, Alzheimer’s disease should top the list. The victim is clear. Suspects are in custody. Wherever neurons die due to Alzheimer’s disease, a protein known as amyloid-beta is always found at the scene of the crime, hanging around in large, tough gangs called plaques.