The possibility of mimicking the effects of apolipoproteins E3 (apoE3) and E2 (apoE2) provides a new avenue of research in the hunt for novel treatments for Alzheimer's disease (AD). In contrast to apoE4, apoE3 and apoE2 are considered to have protective effects with respect to some aspects of the pathogenesis of AD. Therapeutic implications arising from the role of apoE in AD were discussed by Dr Warren Strittmatter at the Third International Springfield Symposium on Advances in Alzheimer Therapy [Illinois, US; May 1994].