Peripheral and dual binding site acetylcholinesterase inhibitors: implications in treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

Recently advances in understanding the molecular basis of Alzheimer's disease have led to the consideration of the relationship between cholinergic inhibitors and amyloid deposition as a new hypothesis for the future rational design of effective anti-Alzheimer drugs. In the present review, the non-cholinergic functions of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and the therapeutic potential of peripheral and dual binding site AChE inhibitors in delaying the neurodegenerative process will be discussed.