SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH

Mitochondrial dysfunction predictive factor for cognitive decline

29.11.2023

Mitochondrial dysfunction in skeletal muscles is potentially linked to cognitive impairment and biomarkers of Alzheimer’s disease, suggesting a connection between muscle health and brain health in ageing and neurodegeneration.

October 2023 – Alzheimer’s & Dementia

 

Key takeaways

 

  • Mitochondrial health in muscles and cognitive decline: The health of mitochondria in skeletal muscles is a predictive factor for cognitive impairment. This highlights the role of muscular health in maintaining cognitive functions, particularly as a person ages, emphasising the need for strategies that support mitochondrial health
  • Link between muscle mitochondria and Alzheimer’s biomarkers: There is an observed association between the functioning of skeletal muscle mitochondria and biomarkers of Alzheimer’s disease. This connection hints at underlying biological pathways that might be common in both muscle ageing and neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting new areas for research in longevity and ageing
  • Mitochondrial function as a key to cognitive longevity: Keeping the mitochondria in muscles healthy might be critical for cognitive longevity. This underlines the potential of mitochondrial health as a target for interventions aimed at reducing cognitive decline associated with ageing and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s

 

These insights offer a new perspective for developing strategies to promote healthy ageing. By focusing on enhancing mitochondrial function in skeletal muscles, there may be opportunities to develop therapeutic interventions that could mitigate the risks and progression of age-related cognitive disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease.

 

Read the article at: Tian, Qu et al. “Skeletal muscle mitochondrial function predicts cognitive impairment and is associated with biomarkers of Alzheimer’s disease and neurodegeneration.Alzheimer’s & dementia : the journal of the Alzheimer’s Association vol. 19,10 (2023): 4436-4445. doi:10.1002/alz.13388

 

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