Abstract: Methods for identifying compounds that can be used for treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, for monitoring the progression of these diseases, and for monitoring therapeutic intervention of these diseases are provided. These methods are effected by determining the relative amount of .alpha.-sAPP and the ratio of .alpha.-sAPP to total sAPP in body fluids, tissues or in cell culture.

Abstract: Methods of use of compounds for the treatment of disorders characterized by the cerebral deposition of amyloid are provided. Among the compounds provided for use in the methods are those of the formula: ##STR1## in which R.sub.1 is preferably 2-methylpropenyl, 2-butenyl, cyclohexyl or cyclohexylmethyl; R.sub.2, R.sub.4, and R.sub.8 are each preferably independently methyl or ethyl; R.sub.3 is preferably iso-butyl or phenyl; Q is preferably --C(O)--; R.sub.B is preferably iso-butyl; R.sub.A is --(T).sub.m --(D).sub.m --R.sub.1, in which T is preferably oxygen or NH, m is 0 or 1, and D is preferably C.sub.1-4 alkyl or C.sub.2-4 alkenyl; and X is preferably an aldehyde, .alpha.-ketoester or .alpha.-ketoamide.

Abstract: Methods of use of compounds and compounds for the treatment of disorders characterized by the cerebral deposition of amyloid are provided. Among the compounds are those of formulae I and II: ##STR1## in which R.sub.1 is preferably 2-methyl propene, 2-butene, cyclohexyl or cyclohexylmethyl; R.sub.2, R.sub.4, and R.sub.8 are each independently methyl or ethyl; R.sub.3 is preferably iso-butyl or phenyl; R.sub.5 is preferably iso-butyl; R.sub.6 is H or methyl; R.sub.7 --(Q).sub.n is preferably benzyloxycarbonyl or acetyl; Q is preferably --C(O)--; R.sub.8 is preferbly iso-butyl; R.sub.A =--(T).sub.m --(D).sub.m --R.sub.1, is which T is preferably oxygen or carbon, and D is preferably a mono-unsaturated C.sub.3-4 alkenyl being more preferred; and X is preferably an .alpha.-ketoester or .alpha.-ketoamide.