HealthJuly 30, 2026
amyloid
AM-uh-loyd
Definition
An abnormal, starch-like protein aggregate that builds up in bodily tissues and organs, often associated with degenerative conditions like Alzheimer's disease.
Etymology
Derived from the Latin 'amylum' (starch) and the Greek suffix '-oid' (resembling), the term was coined because these deposits were originally mistaken for starch-like substances when stained with iodine.
In the news
The article describes how amyloid plaques are proteins that accumulate in the brains of Alzheimer's patients. Scientists are investigating how these deposits interact with immune cells to disrupt normal sleep patterns.
UK scientists learned what causes sleep loss in Alzheimer’s patients — and how to stop it
Read the full article ↗Kentucky New Era