Optimisation for nano-imaging of Alzheimer’s neuritic plaques

Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by deposition of amyloid # (A#) plaques and intraneuronal neurofibrillary tangles (NFT) in brain tissues. Accumulation of NFT made of hyperphosphorylated fibrillar forms of the tau (#) protein correlates with decline of the cognitive function. These changes are likely related to dramatic perturbations in the homeostasis of Fe and other metals. Our aim is to assess at <50 nm resolution the changes in elemental composition in the brain tissue at the level of amyloid plaques as a function of # accumulation. For this we require to perform preliminary tests that will be beneficial in the final proposal. The tests will be done to optimise the sample thickness and exposure times to reveal maximum detail.