The present invention relates to methods of treating neurodegenerative diseases comprising administering, to a subject in need of such treatment, one or more agent that inhibits or reduces the action, including the catalytic activity, of an enzyme of the phospholipase D family, such as phospholipase D1 and/or phospholipase D2. The present invention also relates to cell-based assays which may be used to identify agents that inhibit or reduce the activity of enzymes of the phospholipase D family and that may be used in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.