In conclusion, targeting Cav-1, specifically Cav-1 phosphorylation in neurons, may serve as a novel therapeutic target to promote axonal growth during early-stage differentiation in the setting of neurodevelopmental disorder such as Down Syndrome or serve to promote functional neuroplasticity after CNS injury (ischemic or traumatic) and in neurodegenerative diseases (AD, ALS, and multiple sclerosis). The gene discussed is CAV1; the disease is Alzheimer disease.