The present invention is directed to a method for treating a neurodegenerative disease such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Alzheimer disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, frontotemporal degeneration, dementia with Lewy bodies, a motor neuron disease, or a demyelinating disease. The method comprises administering to a subject in need thereof a Ppargc1a activator 2-(4-tert-butylphenyl)-1H-benzimidazole, 2-[4-(1,1-dimethylethyl)phenyl]-1H-benzimidazole, in an effective amount. A preferred route of administration is oral administration.