Pseudoexfoliation Syndrome and CNS Abnormalities

Pseudoexfoliation (PEX) syndrome is a disorder associated with aging. This condition is characterized by the accumulation of abnormal fibers in the extracellular matrix, which can have systemic effects. While PEX fibrils are typically found in ocular tissue, studies have indicated that they also accumulate in extraocular tissues including the nervous system. In this review, we will delve into the potential correlation between PEX and nervous system diseases. We conducted a literature search utilizing multiple academic databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, and SCOPUS. Our purpose was to investigate the potential correlation between PEX and various neurological disorders. Our team conducted a comprehensive analysis of 34 studies that explored the correlation between PEX and neurological disorders, including dementia, neuropsychiatric, and neurotologic disorders, as well as cerebrovascular disorders. The findings indicate a significant association between senile or vascular dementia and PEX, while the relationship between Alzheimer’s disease and PEX remains a topic of debate. Furthermore, the studies demonstrate that more severe symptoms of depression are linked to PEX. Most studies also report a correlation between PEX and sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) in neurotologic diseases. The results regarding the relationship between PEX and cerebrovascular diseases, transient ischemic attacks, and stroke are inconclusive and warrant further research. There have been several studies that suggest a connection between PEX and various nervous system disorders. Therefore, it is recommended that individuals with PEX receive regular neurologic checkups in a multidisciplinary approach. However, due to inconsistent findings among these studies, further research is necessary to gain a comprehensive understanding of the necessary regular neurological evaluations for patients with PEX. Graphical Abstract