Nature Neuroscience presents a forum on critical issues facing Alzheimer's Disease research today. In a panel discussion, available to view on this site, key researchers in the field considered the support for the pathogenic mechanisms that have been proposed to date, the pros and cons of the current preclinical animal model systems, and the obstacles that the field faces in translating basic discoveries to the clinic. This community has been created to continue this discussion online, allowing for the exchange of ideas between community members. The featured articles in this forum have been made freely available until April 30, 2016 thanks to generous support from Eli Lilly and Company and vTv Therapeutics. Nature Neuroscience is entirely responsible for the selection of the featured content.