Glaucoma as Neurodegeneration in the Brain
Jane W Chan1, Noel C Y Chan2, Alfredo A Sadun1,3
1Department of Ophthalmology, Doheny Eye Institute, Pasadena, CA, USA.
Eye and Brain
|January 27, 2021
Summary
Glaucoma and Alzheimer's disease share common neurodegenerative pathways, suggesting a link between optic nerve degeneration and brain disorders. This review explores the pathogenic overlap, particularly focusing on the Apolipoprotein E gene in primary open angle glaucoma.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
Background:
- Glaucoma involves progressive optic nerve degeneration, leading to irreversible blindness.
- Emerging evidence suggests glaucoma is a neurodegenerative disorder affecting both the eye and brain.
- Glaucoma shares neurodegenerative pathways with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other tauopathies like CTE and frontotemporal dementia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review literature from the past 20 years on the pathogenic overlap between primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) and Alzheimer's disease (AD).
- To highlight shared neurodegenerative pathways, including the focal adhesion and tau spreading hypotheses.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review of PubMed publications over the last 20 years.
- Analysis of studies investigating neurodegenerative pathways in glaucoma and AD.
- Examination of genetic associations, such as the Apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene.
Main Results:
- The Apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene is associated with both AD and POAG.
- Evidence supports shared neurodegenerative mechanisms between glaucoma and tauopathies.
- Transsynaptic neurodegeneration pathways may be common to AD, tauopathies, and glaucoma.
Conclusions:
- Glaucoma and AD exhibit significant pathogenic overlap.
- Understanding these shared pathways may lead to novel therapeutic strategies for both conditions.
- Further research into neurodegenerative mechanisms is crucial for treating glaucoma and related brain disorders.
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