The subject invention concerns materials and methods for conversion of non-neuronal cells into neurons. The subject invention also concerns methods for screening drugs and other compounds for activity in treating Alzheimers disease using neuronal cells produced using the subject invention. The subject invention also concerns neuronal cells that have been produced using the methods of the invention. The subject invention also concerns methods for evaluating therapeutic treatment for efficacy in a person or animal having Alzheimers disease or other neurodegenerative diseases. The subject invention also concerns methods of treating Alzheimers disease or other neurodegenerative diseases or conditions in a person or animal.