Can Supporting Mitochondrial Function Promote Cognitive Health?

by Dr. Alan Gaby MD

Mitochondrial function declines with advancing age, and there is evidence from animal studies that mitochondrial dysfunction may contribute to brain aging and neurodegeneration. Several different factors appear to play a role in mitochondrial decay, including oxidative damage to mitochondrial lipids, proteins, and DNA, and a decrease in the activity of enzymes involved in ATP production. Antioxidants such as vitamin E, vitamin C, selenium, and alpha-lipoic acid have the potential to protect mitochondrial integrity; magnesium, riboflavin, niacinamide, and coenzyme Q10 may improve mitochondrial energy production by directly activating enzymes involved in the electron-transport chain; and L-carnitine may improve mitochondrial energy production by facilitating the transport of fatty acids into mitochondria. It is one of the axioms of nutritional therapy that combinations of nutrients are often more supportive than any one nutrient by itself. The possibility that using various combinations of the nutrients mentioned above could slow age-related cognitive decline and other manifestations of aging is an exciting area for future research.