From a pathophysiological point of view, AD is characterized by neurodegeneration due to the development of neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs, formed by aggregates of hyperphosphorylated tau protein) and amyloid plaques [formed by agglomerates of amyloid peptides Aβ produced by the cleavage of amyloid precursor protein (APP)]. The gene discussed is APP; the disease is Alzheimer disease.