Abstract: A composition of matter comprising an ?-ketoglutarate (AKG) or an ?-ketoglutaric acid or a salt of an ?-ketoglutarate may be used to treat patients having a neurodegenerative disease, such as amyotrophic lateralsclerosis. The composition may be administered hourly or may be administered once a day depending on the size and activity of the patient and the release coating or mechanism provided. In addition to AKG, a core composition may comprise GABA and a source of coenzyme Q10. Other substances may be provided either orally or intravenous in addition to the core composition, as required to control symptoms, or in order to stimulate stem cells to add motor neurons.