Defective Mitophagy and the Etiopathogenesis of Alzheimer’s Disease

As far as dementia goes, Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most prevalent. The disease is gradual, starting with mild memory loss and potentially progressing to the loss of communication and environmental awareness. The brain regions that are responsible for thought, memory, and language are affected by Alzheimer’s disease. Mitochondria are membrane-bound cell organelles that generate most of the chemical energy needed to power the cell’s biochemical reactions. Chemical energy produced by the mitochondria is stored in a small molecule called adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Using specialized sequestration and engulfment of mitochondria for later lysosomal breakdown, the cellular process of mitophagy eliminates the aging and damaged mitochondria. In this chapter, the mitophagy in AD is discussed showing progression and possible targets including role of biobanking and sample management.