Abstract: The present invention provides methods for the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease using human cells. Specifically, one method detects differences between potassium channels in cells from Alzheimer's patient and normal donors, and differences in intracellular calcium concentrations between Alzheimer's and normal cells in response to chemicals known to increase intracellular calcium levels. Other methods detect differences between the memory associated GTP binding Cp20 protein levels between Alzheimer's and normal cells. Another method utilizes the differential effects of .beta.-amyloid protein on levels of the protein kinase C isoenzymes PKC.alpha. and PKC.gamma. in Alzheimer's and normal cells. Yet another method detects Eu-TTA fluorescence differences between Alzheimer's and normal cells treated with an activator of a receptor-mediated metabolic pathway. In addition a diagnostic index for improved assessment between Alzheimer's and non Alzheimer's cells is provided.