Southern Research Institute

Maurizio Grimaldi

Subramaniam Ananthan

Joseph A Maddry

Judith Varady Hobrath

Methods for enhancing memory and/or learning and prevent neurodegeneration by administration of certain heterocyclic and aromatic compounds are described. The methods are particularly useful for treating patients suffering from a neurodegenerative disease such as (without limitation) Alzheimer's, Parkinsons's, Lou Gehrig's (ALS) disease or memory or learning impairment. A neuronal human cell-based assay that assess NF-kB gene up-regulation using a luciferase reporter is also provided that screens for compounds useful in methods for enhancing memory or learning.

Treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, causation of memory enhancement, and assay for screening compounds for such

The invention provides methods of enhancing memory and/or learning and prevent neurodegeneration, comprising administering therapeutically effective amounts of certain heterocyclic and aromatic compounds to a patient in need thereof. In one aspect, the invention provides methods of treating patients suffering from a neurodegenerative disease, such as but not limited to, Alzheimer's, Parkinsons's, Lou Gehrig's (ALS) disease, and/or memory or learning impairment. The invention further provides neuronal human cell-based assays that assess NF-kB gene upregulation using a luciferase reporter, wherein the assays identify compounds that are useful in enhancing memory or learning.

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Birmingham, AL, United States of America

Maurizio Grimaldi