Fig. 1: AD results from a complex interplay of various factors associated with aging.
From: Decoding metabolic signatures in Alzheimer’s disease: a mitochondrial perspective
As such, a range of genetic, epigenetic and environmental factors (identified as RF1 to RF6 in the schematic) may promote neurodegenerative processes that ultimately cause cognitive impairment. Alterations of mitochondria have been detected in brains of AD patients. These mitochondrial changes may depend on various upstream and/or modifying processes (depicted as risk factor 1 and 2), which could cumulatively compromise mitochondrial function. While severe mitochondrial lesions may be sufficient to trigger a neurodegenerative cascade, it is also possible that additional factors (indicated here as risk factor 3 and 4) are required to irreversibly undermine neuronal survival. Created with Biorender.com.
