Story at-a-glance
- Mitochondrial dysfunction is a key driver of neurodegeneration, with research showing that a single resting cortical neuron requires 4.7 billion ATP molecules every second for energy
- When mitochondria lose their efficient shape, electrons escape and form reactive oxygen species (ROS), triggering cellular damage and stress that particularly affects brain cells
- Research shows 42% of adults over 55 develop dementia by age 95, with projected new cases expected to double from 514,000 in 2020 to 1 million by 2060
- Mitochondria act as cellular calcium buffers — when this function fails, calcium floods cells and triggers the mitochondrial permeability transition pore, leading to widespread neuron death
- Key mitochondrial health strategies include eliminating seed oils, optimizing carbohydrate intake, reducing environmental toxin exposure, getting proper sun exposure and boosting NAD⁺ levels through supplements
