The present invention provides a method of treating frontotemporal dementia, or a childhood genetic neurodegenerative disease such as Ataxia Telangiectasia (A-T), or neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease or neuropsychiatric diseases comprising administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of chlorite composition, such as sodium chlorite. The present invention thereby provides a method of modulating the immune system in a subject in need thereof. Described herein are methods of administration and treatment.