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

Abstract

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.

1 . (canceled) 
     
     
         2 . A method of treating or ameliorating Alzheimer's Disease or symptoms associated with Alzheimer's Disease in a subject, the method comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a compound selected from the group consisting of: 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
       or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the compound is administered to the subject as part of a pharmaceutical composition further comprising at least one pharmaceutically acceptable excipient. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the compound is administered to the subject by at least one route selected from the group consisting of oral, inhalation, nasal, buccal, parenteral, topical, rectal, and vaginal routes. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the subject is a mammal. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the mammal is a human.