The present invention relates to newly identified methods and compositions for modulating the cellular processing of beta-amyloid precursor protein ("APP") and for the prevention or treatment of diseases associated with abnormal APP processing, such as Alzheimer's disease ("AD"). The invention also relates the identification of molecular pathways heretofore unknown to be involved in APP processing. The invention also relates to the prevention or treatment of AD disease symptoms using medicaments that modify the activity of novel molecular targets involved in APP processing.