The present invention provides methods for preventing and/or treating degenerative disorders of the central nervous system using 5-(fluoromethyl)piperidine-3,4-diol, 5-(chloromethyl)piperidine-3,4-diol, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, or prodrug thereof, or any combination of two or more thereof. In particular, the present invention provides methods for preventing and/or treating Parkinsons disease.
