The ageing brain, mitochondria and neurodegeneration

Hudson, G

doi:10.1007/978-3-319-28637-2_3

The ageing brain, mitochondria and neurodegeneration

Lookup NU author(s): Professor Gavin Hudson

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Abstract

© Springer International Publishing 2016. All rights reserved. The brain is a complex and energy-demanding organ, which like any organ is subject to the ravages of time. Mitochondria are synonymous with their role in energy production, which is particularly critical to high-energy-demanding cells such as neurons. Here we discuss ageing of the brain, initially setting the scene by introducing the core concepts associated with brain ageing; discussing the physiological, genetic and cognitive changes which occur over time; and subsequently introducing the roles that mitochondria play in the 'normal' brain ageing process. The final section of the chapter discusses the role of both inherited and somatic mitochondrial DNA variation in neurodegeneration, initially in the context of primary mitochondrial disorders (such as Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy, myoclonic epilepsy and ragged-red fibres and mitochondrial encephalomyopathy lactic acidosis and stroke-like episodes) and subsequently in the context of common, but more complex, neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Friedreich's ataxia, hereditary spastic paraplegia and multiple sclerosis.