Figure 1.

Mitochondrial dysfunction is likely involved in the initiation and/or amplification of oxidative stress during the onset and progression of Alzheimer disease. Oxidative stress can negatively impact mitochondrial integrity and function. Defects in mitochondrial dynamics, either due to the response to genetic deficits or metabolic or environmental alterations, will make mitochondria less versatile in responding to the changing needs of neurons which will exacerbate mitochondrial dysfunction in chronic condition. The resultant mitochondrial dysfunction and ensuing greater oxidative stress and their interactions have the potential to form a vicious downward spiral that becomes a ubiquitous causative feature of cell malfunction, insufficient compensation and degeneration in AD.