CASS4 as plaque compaction biomarker

A gene (CASS4) that helps microglia compact amyloid plaques may predict Alzheimer’s risk: mice lacking CASS4 show bigger, more numerous plaques and memory troubles. If replicated in humans, measuring CASS4 activity or variants could enable earlier detection or therapies that boost plaque‑compaction function. — It reframes Alzheimer’s risk from only amyloid accumulation to microglial plaque‑compaction failure, opening new avenues for diagnostics and treatment policy debates.