Maintenance of Mitochondrial Dynamics for Healthy Brain Ageing

As a highly energy-demanding organ, the brain is primarily dependent on mitochondria which derive and store energy through the respiratory chain. It undergoes a natural ageingAgeing process resulting in altered mitochondrial architecture and function, which is implicated in age-related neurological conditions. Mitochondria influence various biochemical processes, including ATP production, fatty acid synthesis, ROS generation, and calcium regulation; thus, establishing their pivotal role in brain healthBrain health. The present book chapter delves into the central role of mitochondria in stressStress response, cellular metabolism and energy balance. It discusses further the changes in brain mitochondrial dynamicsMitochondrial dynamics, elucidating the distribution, genetic components, and dynamic changes through fusion and fission processes. Insights from various neurodegenerativeNeurodegenerative models reveal alterations in proteins associated with mitochondrial dynamicsMitochondrial dynamics, providing a comprehensive understanding of age-related and pathological changes in the brain. The chapter also explores diverse strategies, such as physical exercise and pharmacological compounds, which regulate mitochondrial dynamicsMitochondrial dynamics and maintain mitochondrial health. It underscores the significance of mitochondrial bioenergeticsMitochondrial bioenergetics and considers the impact of different factors such as genetic predisposition and lifestyle. It also discusses the challenges and future avenues, highlighting the importance of comprehensive preclinical and clinical research on mitochondrial dynamicsMitochondrial dynamics in healthy brain ageingBrain ageing.