Methods and compositions for manipulating metabolism in astrocytes to improve astrocytic and neuronal function, as well as individual pathology hallmarks and symptoms during the development of neurodegeneration by increasing PPARα expression and activity specifically in astrocytes within the central nervous system to treat a variety of neurodegenerative conditions including but not limited to conditions involving neuronal lipid dysregulation, oxidative damage, accumulation of β-amyloid or other protein aggregates, dementia, and motor dysfunction. Also provided are methods of treating peripheral metabolic dysfunction associated with neurodegenerative conditions.