This invention is directed to a class of compounds (Formula I) including hydroxyalkanoyl amino pyrazoles, hydroxyalkanoyl amino thiadiazoles, hydroxyalkanoyl amino acid esters, hydroxyalkanoyl amino acid amides, hydroxyalkanoyl amino alcohols, hydroxyalkanoyl amino ketoes, hydroxyalkanoyl amino hydantoins, hydroxyalkanoyl anilines, and hydroxyalkanoyl derivatives of privileged structures. The invention is also directed to a pharmaceutical formation comprising such compound in a pharmaceutically acceptable salt form or prodrug thereof. The invention is further directed to a method for inhibiting .beta.-amyloid peptide release and/or synthesis, a method for inhibiting .gamma.-secretase activity and a method for treating neurological disorders associated with .beta.-amyloid peptide production. The method comprises administering to a host a pharmaceutical formulation comprising an effective amount of a compound of Formula I. The compounds of Formula I are useful in the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease.