Exploring Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Protective Therapeutic Approaches to Counteract Its Role in Alzheimer’s Disease Progression

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the primary cause of dementia, characterized by a progres-sive decrease in mental abilities and the accumulation of amyloid-beta (Aβ) peptides in the brain. The combination of these peptides leads to the development of neuritic plaques and neurofibrillary tangles that disrupt neural communication and eventually lead to the loss of neurons. One of the fac-tors that are involved in the development of AD is mitochondrial dysfunction. Disrupted function-ing of mitochondria leads to the production of less energy by the cells, increased oxidative stress, and accelerates the neurodegeneration process. Neurons that carry out their mitochondrial functions normally are required to keep the balance of calcium, in a reasonable energy production, and in the survival of the cells. Mitophagy, which guarantees the clearing of damaged mitochondria, is im-paired in AD. Cholinesterase blockers and NMDA receptor blockers are currently used as treat-ments, but these are not aimed at the underlying pathophysiology of the condition. New treatment approaches that are aimed at enhancing mitochondrial health, in contrast, are viable at providing a potential to decelerate or alter mitochondrial AD progression. The goals of these approaches include enhancement of the mitophagy process, alleviation of oxidative stress, and preservation of mito-chondrial health, which may disrupt major pathological events such as Aβ aggregation and tau hy-perphosphorylation. By concentrating on the replacement of mitochondria, scientists are moving in the right direction to develop therapies that will not only help control the symptoms but also cure the disease.