Platelet-generated amyloid beta peptides in Alzheimer's disease and glaucoma

Amyloid beta (Aβ) peptides have been implicated in both Alzheimer's disease (AD) and glaucoma and have been shown to be the key etiological factor in these dangerous health complications. On the other hand, it is well known that Aβ peptide can be generated from its precursor protein and massively released from the blood to nearby tissue upon the activation of platelets due to their involvement in innate immunity and inflammation processes. Here we review evidence about the development of AD and glaucoma neuronal damage showing their dependence on platelet count and activation. The correlation between the effect on platelet count and the effectiveness of anti-AD and anti-glaucoma therapies suggest that platelets may be an important player in these diseases.