Fig. 4.

BAM-10 neutralizes the cognitively disruptive activity of small Aβ assemblies in the brain. Top, Memory loss in Tg2576 mice appears to be caused by small Aβ assemblies (stars) (Westerman et al., 2002) formed during the conversion of Aβ monomers (circles) to amyloid deposits (starbursts). Aging refers to the event or series of events occurring as animals age leading to the initial aggregation of monomeric Aβ. Little is known about what comprises these events. Bottom, BAM-10 penetrates into the brain, where it may bind to these small Aβ assemblies, neutralize their deleterious effects on cognitive function, and rapidly restore memory in Tg2576 mice. With prolonged treatment, a reduction in amyloid deposits may occur.