Accumulating studies demonstrate that Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a neurotrophin mainly generated in human brain, is useful for the treatment of many neurological diseases including Alzheimer's disease. These researches have shown BDNF has a beneficial therapeutic effect in aged rats with memory deficits or AD mouse models. BDNF delays the onset of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and alleviates cognitive deficits. Unfortunately, due to the poor pharmacokinetic behavior and bioavailability at the desired targets, BDNF as a hormone does not make an ideal drug candidate. Recently, we have identified a unique compound 7,8-dihydroxyflavone that is a natural product and it mimics BDNF by acting as TrkB receptor agonist. In vitro and animal studies demonstrate that this small compound displays significant neuroprotective effect and enhances the memory in AD animal models by mimicking the physiological actions of BDNF. Hence, this small molecule provides a pharmacological intervention for clinical treatment of various neurological diseases including AD. This proposal plans to improve its oral bioavailability using prodrug strategy and examine the prodrug's efficacy in AD models.