A PAT nonapeptide of formula EAKSQGGSD can be used to treat or prevent neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Pharmaceutical compositions containing the PAT nonapeptide can be formulated for administration by parenteral route, including the subcutaneous, intraperitoneal, intravenous or intranasal routes.