Pharmaceutical compositions containing 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG) and methods of use for promoting neurological health and prevention of age-related neurodegeneration, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), have been developed. The compositions may be formulated such that the composition, or the compound when release from the composition, crosses the blood-brain-barrier and promote neurotrophism and neuroprotection mechanisms in the brain. 2-DG can be administered alone or in combination with one or more additional therapeutic, diagnostic, and/or prophylactic agents. The compositions described herein can be administered orally, enterally, transdermally, transmucosally, intranasally or parenterally, in a dosage effective to prevent or alleviate neuronal damage, effect neuronal regeneration or sustain viability, increase expression of anti-apoptotic proteins, and/or decrease indicators of Alzheimer's Disease. The formulations can be formulated for daily, sustained, delayed or weekly/monthly administration.
