PhD defence Sara Bashir Abulgasem Mokhtar

Keywords: Neurodegeneration, Risk factors, Early monitoring, Eye

"Eyes on neurodegeneration - The Maastricht Study"

Neurodegenerative disorders are becoming a growing challenge for global health. They not only affect quality of life but also place a significant burden on healthcare systems.

Early detection and intervention are crucial. However, most existing research has focused on advanced stages of these disorders, overlooking opportunities for earlier intervention.

This thesis addresses that gap by examining modifiable (changeable) risk factors and systemic markers of early neurodegeneration, using data from the Maastricht Study. Modifiable factors—such as glycemic control, lifestyle behaviors, and exposure to air pollution—offer important opportunities for intervention during the early stages of disease. At the same time, neurodegeneration is not confined to the brain. It also affects other systems in the body, contributing to inflammation, cardiovascular changes, and metabolic disturbances. These systemic effects highlight the need for a comprehensive, whole-body approach to early detection and assessment. In this context, studying systemic measures from the eye, heart, and peripheral nerves becomes particularly valuable. Such measures not only deepen our understanding of how overall health influences neurodegeneration but also point toward new avenues for prevention and early diagnosis of neurodegenerative disorders, like depression.

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