In order to explore more effective treatments, a more complete understanding of the pathophysiology of AD is required. Animal models can reproduce the overt changes occurring in patients with AD. However, complex in vivo conditions may limit the accessibility to the tissue of interest and prevent real-time and spatial measurements of biological changes. Consequently, several in vitro experimental models of AD, which provide detailed regional and cell-level information, have been developed to enhance the usefulness of animal models of alzheimer's disease. All these models are of value for deciphering the fundamental mechanisms underlying AD pathology and also, for the testing of novel therapies targeted against this disease.