Neuropathological hallmarks in the eye: towards biomarkers for neurodegeneration

Abstract

AbstractThe retina, an extension of the central nervous system, has emerged as a valuable tool for the study of neurodegeneration, as it shares many structural and functional features with the brain. The retina is easily accessible and can be examined non‐invasively, making it an attractive target for the development of biomarkers for neurodegenerative diseases. Several neuropathological hallmarks have been identified in the retina that are associated with neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), and frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD). The identification of specific biomarkers in the retina may aid in the early detection and diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases, as well as in the monitoring of disease progression and treatment efficacy.In order to progress these findings into reliable biomarkers, various aspects in this field require attention. Access to post mortem retina tissue, together with characterized brain tissue samples, is essential for the study of retinal pathology in relation to brain pathology. This will allow for the examination of the relationship between retinal and brain pathology and may provide important insights into the mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration. In addition, the assessment of retinal pathology requires standardized approaches, as there is currently no consensus on the methods used to evaluate retinal tissue. Standardized approaches are necessary to ensure the accuracy and reproducibility of results, as well as to facilitate comparison between different studies. Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to revolutionize the field of retinal pathology, as it can facilitate the identification of subtle changes in retinal structure that may be indicative of neurodegenerative disease.In conclusion, the retina has emerged as a valuable tool for the study of neurodegeneration. The identification of neuropathological hallmarks in the retina, increased understanding of retinal pathology in relation to brain pathology, standardized approaches for the assessment of pathology, access to post mortem retina tissue, and the use of AI all have the potential to advance the field of retinal pathology and aid in the development of biomarkers for neurodegenerative diseases.