Dennis J. Selkoe (born 25 September 1943) is an American physician (neurologist) known for his research into the molecular basis of Alzheimer's disease.
In 1975, he held the position of instructor at the Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, before moving up to assistant professor in 1978.
With his laboratory, he also conducted extensive research on the second pathogenic component, senile plaques of beta-amyloid (Aβ).
In 1999, he and co-workers identified presenilin as a component of the long-sought-after gamma-secretase, one of the enzymes involved in the pathogenic conversion of APP to Aβ in Alzheimer's disease.
In his laboratory, it could also be shown that small, soluble oligomers from Aβ can damage the synapses and have an influence on memory performance.