These data present a scenario where α7 nAChR agonists represent a potential strategy for controlling cognitive deficits in early AD that mostly result from synaptotoxic effects of Aβ oligomers, while blocking α7 nAChR function could alleviate cognitive symptoms during advanced stages of AD mostly associated with Aβ plaque and neurofibrillary tangles. Here, CHRNA7 is linked to Alzheimer disease.