American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) Practice Exam

Amyloid precursor protein (APP) is critically involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. APP is a membrane protein that, when cleaved by certain enzymes, can lead to the production of amyloid-beta peptides. These peptides are fundamental to the development of amyloid plaques, which are one of the hallmark features of Alzheimer's disease. The accumulation of amyloid plaques is closely linked to neurodegeneration and cognitive decline seen in individuals with Alzheimer's, supporting the strong association between APP and this condition.

Other conditions listed, while they may involve complex neurobiological mechanisms, do not have a direct relationship with amyloid precursor protein in the same way that Alzheimer's does. For instance, Wilson's disease involves copper accumulation and does not specifically relate to APP, schizophrenia focuses more on neurotransmitter imbalances than amyloid pathology, and bipolar disorder is characterized by mood dysregulation rather than a direct involvement with amyloid processing. Thus, the association of APP is predominantly and notably tied to Alzheimer's disease.