The present invention pertains to a pharmaceutical composition comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and (E)-3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-N-(prop-2-yn-1-yl)acrylamide of Formula (I): The invention also pertains to a method for stimulating neurite outgrowth by administering to cells in the area where neurite outgrowth is desired a therapeutically effective amount of the compound of Formula (I). Further, the invention pertains to a method for attenuating neuron injury in a subject by contacting a neuron in a subject in need thereof with a therapeutically effective amount of the compound of Formula (I). Furthermore, a method of preparing the compound of Formula (I) are provided.