The present invention relates generally to the field of ligands for nicotinicacetylcholine receptors (nACh receptors), activation of nACh receptors, andthe treatment of disease conditions associated with defective ormalfunctioning nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, especially of the brain.Further, this invention relates to novel compounds (e.g., indazoles andbenzothiazoles), which act as ligands for the a7 nACh receptor subtype,methods of preparing such compounds, compositions containing such compounds,and methods of use thereof.