How is amyloid beta cleared from the brain and why does this system fail? 

Roxana Carare, MD, PhD, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK, discusses the mechanisms behind cerebral amyloid beta (Aβ) clearance and its significance in relation to age-related pathological conditions, such as cerebral amyloid angiopathy and Alzheimer’s disease. Aβ and other solutes are cleared from the interstitial fluid of the brain along the cerebral basement membranes of capillaries and arteries. This intramural periarterial drainage (IPAD) system is driven by motor force from smooth muscle contractions, which reduces with advancing age and arteriosclerosis. It is believed that reduced motor force leads to decreased efficiency of the IPAD system and thus, a failure to eliminate Aβ from the brain. This interview took place at European Stroke Organisation Conference 2022 in Lyon, France.