Caspase-3, a member of the caspase family, is the key protein enzyme of mammalian cell in apoptosis. Recent studies show that caspase-3 plays an essential role in the pathological process of neurodegenerative diseases. In the process, caspase-3 not only performs as apoptosis effector, but also interacts directly with the pathogenic protein molecules of these diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington disease and Spinocerebellar ataxia, particpating in their pathogenic mechanism. Therefore, caspase-3 is a new target for neurodegenerative diseases treatment, the search for caspase-3 inhibitors with high effectivity and selectivity will supply a novel way to cure neurodegenerative diseases.