⚡ Mitochondria: not just the powerhouse of the cell

We all learned that phrase in school: but the real story is far more complex.

In the brain, mitochondria sit at the center of everything: energy production, cellular survival, inflammation, and even how neurons age. When mitochondrial function begins to decline, the effects can ripple outward, contributing to cognitive decline, neuroinflammation, and increased vulnerability to disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.

What’s often overlooked is that mitochondria do not function independently from the rest of our biology. Sex hormones directly influence mitochondrial activity in the brain. They help regulate energy metabolism, reduce oxidative stress, and protect neurons from cellular damage.

As hormone levels change with age, particularly during menopause, mitochondrial function may shift as well. These changes could help explain why neurodegenerative diseases develop and progress differently across individuals.

Understanding the connection between hormones and brain energy metabolism is one of the many questions our lab is exploring. 🔬

#Neuroscience #BrainHealth #Mitochondria #Neurodegeneration #Hormones #Aging