Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a method for preventing, inhibiting or otherwise reducing cell death. More particularly, the present invention contemplates a method for preventing, inhibiting or otherwise reducing neuronal cell death such as during neurodegenerative disease or following trauma The method of the present invention is generally practiced by the administration to a mammalian including a human subject, of an effective amount of an agent which blocks, retards or otherwise impairs ions from entering or passing through an ion channel. In one particular embodiment, the ion channel is a potassium (K) ion (K+) channel. The present invention further provides compositions comprising ion channel blockers and in particular K+ channel blockers. The compositions may also comprise other therapeutic agents such as agents which reduce levels of, or the activity of, a neurotrophin receptor.