Modulators of amyloid aggregation

Compounds that modulate the aggregation of amyloidogenic proteins or peptides are disclosed. The modulators of the invention can promote amyloid aggregation or, more preferably, can inhibit natural amyloid aggregation. In a preferred embodiment, the compounds modulate the aggregation of natural beta amyloid peptides (beta-AP). In a preferred embodiment, the beta amyloid modulator compounds of the invention are comprised of an Abeta aggregation core domain and a modifying group coupled thereto such that the compound alters the aggregation or inhibits the neurotoxicity of natural beta amyloid peptides when contacted with the peptides. Furthermore, the modulators are capable of altering natural beta-AP aggregation when the natural beta-APs are in a molar excess amount relative to the modulators. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds of the invention, and diagnostic and treatment methods for amyloidogenic diseases using the compounds of the invention, are also disclosed.