The invention relates to neuromodulatory oligomers of the amyloid-β(1-42) protein, a particular production method, by means of which the oligomer can be obtained in a reproducible manner at high yield, the use of the oligomers as diagnostic and therapeutics agents, for the generation of oligomer-specific antibodies and for the discovery of substances which can interact with the oligomers and in the formation thereof. Corresponding methods for the production of the antibodies and for discovery of the substances are also disclosed as are the antibodies themselves and the use of the antibodies or substances as diagnostic and therapeutic agents. The invention further relates to derivatives of the oligomers and oligomers based on abbreviated forms of the amyloid-β(1-42) proteins, the production and use thereof.
