Grant: Project Grant

Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common cause of dementia affecting the elderly population, is believed to be caused by clumps of protein called amyloid beta (Ab) peptide. This Ab peptide builds up in the brain and triggers death of brain cells, but how it does so is not clear. Evidence suggests that increased levels of Ab can aggregate with each other, leading to formation of toxic molecules that can trigger brain cell death in AD brains. In this study, we will use one type of biomolecule called PLGA nanoparticles, which are clinically approved for human use, to determine their ability to prevent Ab aggregation and trigger disassembly of preformed Ab aggregates. Additionally, we will test how these nanoparticles enter the cells and if they can able to reduce AD-related pathology in cellular as well as animal models of AD. Finally, we will use samples from AD patients to determine therapeutic potential of these nanoparticles in the treatment of AD.