Amyloid-β and Astrocytes Interplay in Amyloid-β Related Disorders

Amyloid-beta (A beta) pathology is known to promote chronic inflammatory responses in the brain. It was thought previously that A beta is only associated with Alzheimer's disease and Down syndrome. However, studies have shown its involvement in many other neurological disorders. The role of astrocytes in handling the excess levels of A beta has been highlighted in the literature. Astrocytes have a distinctive function in both neuronal support and protection, thus its involvement in A beta pathological process may tip the balance toward chronic inflammation and neuronal death. In this review we describe the involvement of astrocytes in A beta related disorders including Alzheimer's disease, Down syndrome, cerebral amyloid angiopathy, and frontotemporal dementia.