Abstract: Methods are provided for preventing neurodegeneration and neuronal loss by administering compositions comprising small molecule compounds with the effect of preventing neurodegeneration and neuronal loss. In one aspect of the invention, the methods and compositions are also useful for treating neurodegenerative diseases. Small molecule compounds provide an important treatment option because of their stability, ease of use in both manufacture and formulation, ease of administration, and patient compliance. The small molecule compound compositions of the present invention may include topoisomerase II inhibitors, bacterial transpeptidase inhibitors, calcium channel antagonists, cyclooxygenase inhibitors, folic acid synthesis inhibitors, or sodium channel blockers and functional analogues thereof that have an effect on neurodegeneration.