Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating a neurodegenerative pathology in a human patient. This method includes selecting a patient for monitoring for the presence of a neurodegenerative pathology associated with enhanced Calpain activity and monitoring the patient for indicia of the onset or existence of such a pathology. In response to the detection of any such indicium of the presence or onset of the pathology, a therapeutically efficacious amount of a Peptide Ketoamide compound, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative thereof, together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier is administered. The invention also provides additional methods of treatment and pharmaceutical compositions using Peptide Ketoamides, Peptide Ketoacids and Peptide Ketoesters.