Methods for treating neurodegenerative disorders, including Parkinson's disease, are provided. The methods comprise administrating a therapeutically effective amount of oxytocin or oxytocin analogs to alleviate one or more symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Methods for determining the effectiveness of oxytocin therapy by itself or in addition to one or more adjunctive therapies in alleviating one or more symptoms of Parkinson's disease are also discussed.