Mitochondria Health –
Brain Health and Aging
As people age, cognitive decline becomes a growing concern, particularly for individuals with a family history of or genetic predisposition to neurodegenerative diseases. However, cognitive decline is not solely influenced by genetics; a variety of other factors can contribute to its progression. Social isolation, poor nutrition, chronic stress, and inflammation have all been identified as key contributors to the deterioration of cognitive health. Since many of these factors are lifestyle modifiable factors, making choices and adopting behaviors that promote healthy lifestyles can have an impact on mitochondrial health which is closely linked to brain health.1
Emerging researches suggest that supporting mitochondrial health through proper nutrition plays a crucial role in preserving brain structure and function. Mitochondria are often referred to as the “powerhouses” of cells, and essential for energy production; thus, maintaining their optimal performance could help protect against age-related cognitive decline by ensuring that brain cells function efficiently and remain resilient.
Nutrition is possibly the most important lifestyle factor in determining mitochondrial health and its association with brain aging and brain health. Poor diet often leads to macro- and micro- nutrients imbalances and deficiencies, having a significant impact on our metabolic health. For example, ultra-processed food is often high in added sugars, total fats, and saturated, as well as a decrease in fiber, protein, and many other health-benefiting vitamins and minerals.4 What’s important to note is that the consumption of these ultra-processed food and their association with increased risk in the development of cognitive decline, dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease.5
- Finsterer J. (2012). Cognitive dysfunction in mitochondrial disorders. Acta neurologica Scandinavica, 126(1), 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.
1600-0404.2012.01649.x - Mattson, M. P., & Arumugam, T. V. (2018). Hallmarks of Brain Aging: Adaptive and Pathological Modification by Metabolic States. Cell metabolism, 27(6), 1176–1199. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.
cmet.2018.05.011 - Bartman, S., Coppotelli, G., & Ross, J. M. (2024). Mitochondrial Dysfunction: A Key Player in Brain Aging and Diseases. Current issues in molecular biology, 46(3), 1987–2026. https://doi.org/10.3390/
cimb46030130 - Martini, D., Godos, J., Bonaccio, M., Vitaglione, P., & Grosso, G. (2021). Ultra-Processed Foods and Nutritional Dietary Profile: A Meta-Analysis of Nationally Representative Samples. Nutrients, 13(10), 3390. https://doi.org/10.3390/
nu13103390 - Claudino, P. A., Bueno, N. B., Piloneto, S., Halaiko, D., Azevedo de Sousa, L. P., Barroso Jara Maia, C. H., & Netto, B. D. M. (2024). Consumption of ultra-processed foods and risk for Alzheimer’s disease: a systematic review. Frontiers in nutrition, 10, 1288749. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.
2023.1288749
