The discovery of Alzheimer-causing mutations in the APP gene and the formulation of the "amyloid cascade hypothesis"

Abstract

The cloning of APP and genetic analysis of families with Alzheimer's disease were both reported in 1987 and much present work on the disease is based upon the foundations laid at that time. Progress was not smooth, however, and many errors were made. In this memoir, I lay out both the progress and the errors.

Keywords: APP; Alzheimer's disease; Down syndrome; amyloid; genetics.

© 2017 Federation of European Biochemical Societies.