The present invention describes novel pharmaceutical compositions and methods for treatment of diseases, disorders, or conditions characterized by dopamine deficiency, including Alzheimers disease, Parkinsons disease, Tourettes syndrome, schizophrenia, Huntingtons disease, symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, drug abuse and clinical depression. The treatment of the present invention utilizes PKCd inhibitors that have the dual benefit of increasing the levels of dopamine in the central nervous system while also protecting neuronal cells from neurodegeneration. The method and pharmaceutical compositions can be used to treat diseases, disorders, or conditions associated with neurodegeneration such as Parkinsons disease, Huntingsons disease, Alzheimers disease, Parkinsons disease, cerebral ischemia, myocardial ischemia, spinal muscular atrophy, multiple sclerosis, AIDS-related encephalitis, HIV-related encephalitis, aging, alopecia, and neurological damage due to stroke, Huntington disease (HD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), cardiovascular diseases, inflammatory diseases, spinal cord trauma, and head injury.
