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The evolution of Alzheimer's disease: From mitochondria to microglia

Feng-Ge Yang1, Yu-Lin Liang2, Xu Wang2

  • 1Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China.

Ageing Research Reviews
|July 23, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Mitochondrial dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease (AD) impairs microglial function, worsening neuroinflammation and disease progression. Targeting mitochondria offers new therapeutic strategies for AD treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Cell Biology
  • Pathology

Background:

  • Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a leading neurodegenerative disorder.
  • Mitochondrial dysfunction is increasingly recognized as a key factor in AD pathogenesis.
  • Microglia, the brain's immune cells, are significantly affected by mitochondrial impairments.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the intricate relationship between mitochondrial dysfunction and Alzheimer's disease.
  • To elucidate how mitochondrial impairments impact microglial function in AD.
  • To summarize potential therapeutic strategies targeting mitochondria for AD treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Narrative review of existing scientific literature.
  • Analysis of studies linking mitochondrial dysfunction to microglial alterations in AD.
  • Synthesis of therapeutic approaches targeting mitochondrial pathways.

Main Results:

  • Mitochondrial dysfunction in AD involves energy deficits, oxidative stress, and impaired dynamics.
  • These deficits alter microglial activation, leading to neuroinflammation and reduced phagocytosis.
  • Therapeutic strategies focus on restoring mitochondrial function to modulate microglial activity.

Conclusions:

  • Mitochondrial dysfunction is a critical driver of microglial dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease.
  • Modulating microglial function via mitochondrial targeting presents a promising therapeutic avenue for AD.
  • Further research into these mechanisms could improve AD patient outcomes.
Keywords:
Alzheimer's diseaseMicroglial cell polarizationMitochondrial dysfunctionMitophagyNeuroinflammationTherapeutic strategies

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