The misfolded proteins at the root cause(s) of Alzheimer's and the other Anavex-targeted diseases are not the amalyoid complexes or tau tangles. Both of those are proteins, but they are not functional; primarily protein wastes, that in normally functioning (homeostatic) cells are cleared, not allowed to accumulate.
The proteins the Anavex molecules facilitate are enzymes. Enzymes are complex, precisely-folded proteins that cause chemical reactions to occur. When the right chemical reactions are occuring --- only when the right enzymes are present --- cells function properly. Few cellular reactions can occur without the proper reaction-mediating enzymes. DNA controls the making of enzymes, which, in turn, control cell chemistry.
Interestingly, many (perhaps most) poisons, particularly heavy metals, are lethal because they bind to essential respiratory enzymes, stopping respiration, the conversion of sugars or other feedstocks into ATP the mitochondria. Without mitochondrial production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), human cells die.
If enzymes are misfolded, they can no longer bind to the molecular substrates that the enzyme controls. Enzymes are like molecular keys, the substrates like locks. The enzymes temporaroy bind to the two substrate molecules, causing them to bind together or react.
Enzymes are folded in the rough endoplsamic reticula, which, normally, are connected to mitochondria, which supply ATP, powering all of the reactions needed to fold the enzymes. In Alzheimer's, rough endoplsamic reticula have pathologically disconnected from the mitochondria, so new enzymes are misshaped, badly folded. They no longer properly control normal cell reactions, just as a bent key won't turn a lock.
Anavex2-73, wonderously, in low concentrations, and without side effects of consequence, re-connects the rough endoplasmic reticula with the mitochondria. Neuron homeostasis, normal chemistry, is restored. Properly-folded enzymes can then dissemble and eject toxic waste proteins such as amalyoid plauqes and tau tangles. Neurons function normally; Alzheimer's symptoms are checked or abated (or, if administered early-on, prevented).
