The biological characteristics of primates, such as genetics, behavior, cognition, physiological, biochemical, are closer to those of humans. The study results from primates are easily applied on human due to having superior brain function structure and neural activity that other experimental animals can’t replace. Primates are considered the most ideal animal model for human neurological diseases. Primates are often used to establish neurodegenerative diseases, psychiatric diseases and other diseases animal models, in order to study the pathogenic mechanism, treatment and drug development of above diseases. As a model organism, primates have made irreplaceable contributions to human neuroscience and related medical research. Here we review the recent progress, status, and future prospects and challenges facing the development and deployment of the application of primates in above diseases animal model research.