Document Type
Honors Thesis
Major
Biology
Advisor(s)
Leonard Kass, Travis Blackmer
Committee Members
Margaret Killinger
Graduation Year
May 2023
Publication Date
Spring 2023
Abstract
Alzheimer’s is a neurodegenerative disease found within the brain, interfering with neuron function, eventually leading to widespread atrophy. The disease effects millions of Americans with neurofibrillary tangles and amyloid beta plaques, both protein deposits with unclear causes. The goal for this thesis was not only to understand how these proteins form but how to safely interfere with their production. This was completed by a comprehensive overview of the form of the buildups and their precursors, tau proteins and amyloid beta precursor protein, respectively. An emphasis was put on the molecular biology and genetic causes of the amyloids rather than the large-scale symptomatic results. With a systematic review of scientific results and findings, a hypothesis was formed on how these proteins aggregate and techniques that cannot only treat but prevent the proteins, along with an analysis of treatment costs.
Recommended Citation
Johnson, Ethan, "Comprehensive Overview of Causative Agents of Alzheimer's Disease: Tau Protein and Amyloid Betas With Their Biochemical Pathways and Proposed Treatments Including Cost Analysis" (2023). Honors College. 801.
https://digitalcommons.library.umaine.edu/honors/801