Compounds for use in prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and pain

Compounds for use in prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative disease and pain are disclosed. In one embodiment of the invention, the compound is selected from the group consisting of N 6 -[(3-halothien-2-yl)methyl]adenosine, N 6 -[(4-halothien-2-yl)methyl]adenosine, and N 6 -[(5-halothien-2-yl)methyl]adenosine. In another embodiment of the invention, the compound is selected from the group consisting of N 6 -[(2-bromothien-3-yl)methyl]adenosine, N 6 -[(4-bromothien-3-yl)methyl]adenosine, N 6 -[(5-bromothien-3-yl)methyl]adenosine N 6 -[(2-chlorothien-3-yl)methyl]adenosine, N 6 -[(4-chlorothien-3-yl)methyl]adenosine, and N 6 -[(5-chlorothien-3-yl)methyl]adenosine. Also disclosed are methods of making and using the same.