The present invention discloses a dysregulation of the KCNN3 gene and the
protein products thereof in Alzheimer's disease patients and individuals
being at risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. Based on this finding,
the invention provides methods for diagnosing and prognosticating
Alzheimer's disease in a subject, and for determining whether a subject
is at increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. Furthermore, this
invention provides therapeutic and prophylactic methods for treating and
preventing Alzheimer's disease and related neurodegenerative disorders
using the KCNN3 gene and its corresponding gene products. Screening
methods for modulating agents of neurodegenerative diseases are also
disclosed.