Abstract: Dense microspheres can be extracted and purified to substantial homogeneity from mammalian brain tissue, and used in the screening of therapies for potential effectiveness in impeding the formation of amyloid fibrils associated with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of cerebral amyloidosis. Compounds that, at in-tissue concentrations of 10−5 M or less, inhibit amyloid formation in a test animal injected intracerebrally with dense microspheres are particularly useful in inhibiting treating cerebral amyloidosis.

Abstract: Dense microspheres can be extracted and purified to substantial homogeneity from mammalian brain tissue, and used in the screening of therapies for potential effectiveness in impeding the formation of amyloid fibrils associated with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of cerebral amyloidosis. Compounds that, at in-tissue concentrations of 10.sup.-5 M or less, inhibit amyloid formation in a test animal injected intracerebrally with dense microspheres are particularly useful in inhibiting treating cerebral amyloidosis.

Abstract: DMS present in the brain of individuals susceptible to cerebral amyloidosis disintegrate into DMS components to form cerebral amyloid plaques and other DMS components that are removed from the brain via circulating bodily fluids. Detecting the presence of these removed DMS components in circulating bodily fluids provides a diagnostic mechanism to determine the onset of cerebral amyloid plaque formation. Antibodies also can be raised against isolated DMS components and subsequently utilized in a diagnostic method capable of detecting the onset of cerebral amyloid plaque formation.