Methods are provided for preventing
neurodegeneration and neuronal loss by administering compositions comprising
small molecule compounds with the effect of preventing
neurodegeneration and neuronal loss. In one aspect of the invention, the methods and compositions are also useful for treating neurodegenerative diseases.
Small molecule compounds provide an important treatment option because of their stability, ease of use in both manufacture and formulation, ease of administration, and
patient compliance. The
small molecule compound compositions of the present invention may include
topoisomerase II inhibitors, bacterial transpeptidase inhibitors,
calcium channel antagonists,
cyclooxygenase inhibitors,
folic acid synthesis inhibitors, or
sodium channel blockers and functional analogues thereof that have an effect on
neurodegeneration. The compositions of the present invention may be administered prophylactically before the onset of clinical symptoms or after clinical symptoms of a neurodegenerative
disease have manifested.