Question

Accumulation of protein, amyloid $\beta$-peptide, in human brain causes

• A. Addison's disease
• B. Huntington's disease
• C. Alzheimer's disease
• D. Parkinson's disease
• E. Motor neuron disease

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

Alzheimer's disease

Addison's disease is caused by damaged adrenal glands which in turn produce insufficient amounts of the hormone cortisol and often aldosterone as well.

Parkinson's disease is a movement disorder of nervous system which is caused by insufficient production of dopamine by brain nerve cells.

Huntington's disease is an autosomal dominant disorder caused by the mutation in HTT gene, located on the short (p) arm of chromosome 4, that codes for a protein called as huntingtin.

The motor neuron diseases (MNDs) are a group of progressive neurological disorders which destroy motor neurons. The most likely causative factor is insufficient amounts of folic acid and vitamin B12 in the diet.

Alzheimer's is dementia that causes severe memory loss and other intellectual abilities. It is caused by protein misfolding and resulting accumulation of abnormally folded amyloid $\beta$-protein in the brains. $\beta$-amyloid is an abnormal proteolytic byproduct of the transmembrane protein amyloid precursor protein (APP) which is involved in neuronal development. The correct answer is C.