Abstract: Therapeutic agents for degressive diseases in the central nervous system, which contain amide derivatives of dihydrocaffeic acid of the general formula (I) ##STR1## wherein, R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 and A are defined in the specification; the compounds exert a nerve growth factor inducing action and thus are effective for the prevention of the progression of degenerative diseases in the central nervous system and the therapeutic treatment thereof.