Neurotransmitter availability and mitochondrial function are essential elements in cognitive health
The neurodegenerative process is associated with changes in neurotransmitter availability and mitochondrial function. These changes lead to impaired cognitive function and can eventually result in dementia.
According to the Mayo Clinic, “mitochondrial dysfunction occurs when the mitochondria — tiny structures within cells that produce energy — don’t work as well as they should.” This can lead to a decrease in the availability of energy for the cells, which can then lead to impaired function and eventually cell death.
there are various root causes to mitochondrial dysfunction and neurotransmitter availability is poor nutrition, gut dysbiosis and inflammation to include but a few (see below for a list of potential causes). When these problems occur, they can lead to changes in the way the body produces and uses energy, which can then impact cognition.
In addition to changes in neurotransmitter availability and mitochondrial function, neurodegenerative diseases are also associated with inflammation. This is because when the body is inflamed, it releases cytokines — proteins that can damage neurons and contribute to cognitive decline.
There are many potential causes of inflammation, but one of the most common is poor gut health. This is because the gut is home to 70% of the body’s immune system, so when it’s out of balance, it can lead to inflammation.
Other potential causes of neurodegenerative diseases include:
-Aging
-Genetic predisposition
-Exposure to toxins
-Head injuries
-Stress
Mayo Clinic says that “dementia is a general term for decline in mental ability due to disease or injury.” Alzheimer’s disease, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia are all types of degenerative dementias.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, “Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for 60 to 80 percent of cases.” Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive degenerative disease that attacks the brain and results in impaired memory, thinking, and behavior.
Lewy body dementia is the second most common type of degenerative dementia, accounting for about 20 percent of cases, according to the Lewy Body Dementia Association. Lewy bodies are abnormal structures that build up in the brain and interfere with normal function. This leads to problems with thinking, movement, behavior, and mood.
Frontotemporal dementia is the third most common type of degenerative dementia, accounting for about 10 percent of cases, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. This form of dementia affects the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, which are responsible for personality and behavior. People with frontotemporal dementia may experience changes in personality and behavior, as well as problems with language and muscle control.
There is no one cause of cognitive decline and dementia. However, changes in neurotransmitter availability and mitochondrial function are essential elements in cognitive health. These changes can lead to impaired cognitive function and eventually result in dementia. Therefore, it is important to be aware of these changes and to take steps to protect your cognitive health.
Sources:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mitochondrial-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20374858
https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-dementia
https://www.lbda.org/content/what-lewy-body-dementia
https://www.alz.org/frontotemporal-dementia/what-is-frontotemporal-dementia.asp
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alzheimers-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20350447
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/cognitive-decline-and-dementia-what-are-they
https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/types-dementia/cognitive-decline-and-dementia
https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/types-dementia/frontotemporal-dementia
https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/types-dementia/vascular-dementia
https://www.webmd.com/alzheimers/news/20180507/hormone-replacement-therapy-might-lower-dementia-risk#1
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/regular-exercise-changes-brain-improves-memory-thinking-skills-201404097110
https://www.helpguide.org/articles/healthy-living/staying-mentally-and-emotionally-healthy.htm
Preventing or Slowing Down Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia
