Neurodegenerative disorders (NDDs) are progressive, incurable health conditions that primarily affect brain cells, and result in loss of brain mass and impaired function. Current sensing technologies for NDD detection are limited by high cost, long sample preparation, and/or require skilled personnel. To overcome these limitations, optical sensors, specifically colorimetric sensors, have garnered increasing attention towards the development of a cost-effective, simple, and rapid alternative approach. In this review, we evaluate colorimetric sensing strategies of NDD biomarkers (e.g. proteins, neurotransmitters, bio-thiols, and sulfide), address the limitations and challenges of optical sensor technologies, and provide our outlook on the future of this field.