Methods of preventing or retarding or reversing or abolishing the onset and preventing the onset of neurodegenerative disease are discussed. This is achieved through the administration of a bile acid, a salt of the bile acid, an analog of the bile acid or any combinations of these compounds. The bile acid abolishes or interferes or down-regulates metabolic pathways leading to the onset of neurodegenerative diseases. The bile acid also activates metabolic pathways leading to the slowing or reversing or complete abolishment of the progression of neurodegenerative disease.