Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) functions in the central and peripheral nervous systems-along with the acetylcholine receptor-in the transmission of action potentials across nerve-nerve and neuromuscular synapses (1). This transmission involves the hydrolysis of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh). Through research, scientists were able to determine a relationship between the level of AChE and ACh in the brain of Alzheimer patients. In Alzheimer patients, the levels of ACh are low making it difficult for them to remember both short-term and long-term memories. If the reactivity of AChE is stopped, the level of ACh will increase. Thus the patients are able to regain some of their ability to remember. For the last decade, scientists have been developing potent inhibitors of AChE. Ladderanes, linearly concatenated cyclobutane lipids, are compounds that are actually found in nature. The ladderane lipids occur in the membrane of anammoxosome (2). A research group at the University of Iowa was able to reproduce this molecule in the laboratory. The molecule's cylindrical shape made it a strong candidate for inhibition of AChE.