Abstract: This invention pertains to the discovery that elevated level of free iron causal in the onset and/or progression of diseases characterized by neural degeneration (e.g., Parkinson's Disease). It was also discovered that lowering free iron levels can inhibit (e.g. reduce or eliminate) the onset and/or progression of one or more symptoms of such diseases. Thus, in one embodiment this invention provides a method of inhibiting neural degeneration in a mammal. The method involves reducing free iron levels in a neural tissue of said animal in an amount sufficient to inhibit neural degeneration in said neural tissue.