New Therapeutics to Modulate Mitochondrial Function in Neurodegenerative Disorders

Background: Mitochondrial function and energy metabolism are impaired in neurodegenerative diseases. There is evidence for these functional declines both within the brain and systemically in Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Due to these observations, therapeutics targeted to alter mitochondrial function and energy pathways are increasingly studied in pre-clinical and clinical settings. Methods: The goal of this article was to review therapies with specific implications on mitochondrial energy metabolism published through May 2016 that have been tested for treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Results: We discuss implications for mitochondrial dysfunction in neurodegenerative diseases and how this drives new therapeutic initiatives. Conclusion: Thus far, treatments have achieved varying degrees of success. Further investigation into the mechanisms driving mitochondrial dysfunction and bioenergetic failure in neurodegenerative diseases is warranted.