Neurodegeneration refers to the progressive loss of function and atrophy of neurons. It is at the heart of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Indeed, damage to neurons leads to progressive memory loss and associated cognitive dysfunction states which are a catastrophic social and medical problem in our current society.
Neuroprotection is a rapidly developing field that aims to prevent the progression of neurodegenerative diseases by different methods. For example, maintaining the integrity of the cell membrane and preventing oxidative damage is crucial to prevent cell death pathways from being triggered. A number of promising compounds have now been identified and could delay the progression or even prevent neurodegenerative diseases
Glaucoma is an optic neuropathy characterized by progressive degeneration of retinal ganglion cells. These are central nervous system neurons that have their cell bodies in the inner retina and axons in the optic nerve. Glaucoma affects more than 70 million people worldwide with approximately 10% being bilaterally blind, making it the leading cause of irreversible blindness in the world.