Date of Award
Fall 11-23-2025
Document Type
Thesis
Publication Status
Version of Record
Submission Date
December 2025
Department
Biomedical Science
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]
Rui Tao
Abstract
Amyloid beta (Aβ) accumulation is a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), persisting in the brain for years. Despite its neurotoxic potential, widespread neuronal death is not consistently observed. Histopathological analysis indicates that most neurons remain viable, suggesting an altered survival state under chronic Aβ burden. This study integrates clinical, imaging, and in vitro evidence to characterize this non-lethal state. FDG-PET imaging reveals reduced glucose metabolism. In vitro, Aβ exposure leads to decreased uptake of glucose and amino acids. Reductions in ATP levels and AMPK activity indicate impaired metabolic regulation. Despite these metabolic disruptions, cell death is not observed, implying a state of survival under nutrient stress. Atrophy may reflect synaptic loss and axonal retraction rather than neuronal loss. These findings support a model where neurons persist in a metabolically constrained but viable state.
Recommended Citation
Shim, Giselle, "SUSTAINED CELLULAR SURVIVAL AMID AMYLOID BETA (Aβ) BURDEN" (2025). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 227.
https://digitalcommons.fau.edu/etd_general/227