Abstract

The subject invention concerns materials and methods for treating and/or preventing diseases associated with accumulation of A? peptide in neural tissue. The subject invention also concerns materials and methods for treating and/or preventing stress disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In one embodiment, a method of the invention comprises administering a therapeutically effective amount of cotinine, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, to a person or animal in need of treatment. The methods of the invention can be used to prevent and/or treat Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. The subject invention also concerns compositions that comprise cotinine, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, diluent or adjuvant.