ALZHEIMERS RESEARCH PROJECT: The Breathing Games: Intermittent Hypoxia's Battle against Alzheimers Disease progression

National Institute On Aging

Investigators

Abstract

Aging, mitochondrial dysfunction, and inflammation are hallmarks of Alzheimer's Disease (AD). We aim to test whether intermittent hypoxia (IH) induces changes in mitophagy and whether these changes correlate with inflammation and mouse behavioral responses. We will expose both control and AD mice to 8 weeks of IH. Following this, we will collect brain samples to quantify changes in mitochondria/mitophagy, the number of dystrophic neurites, the extent of Aβ deposition, and inflammation and cytokine markers. IH is currently being investigated for its beneficial effects on various conditions, and a hypoxia-mimetic pill has even been developed. As we currently have no effective treatments for AD, IH's targeting of mitochondria and inflammation, central players in many neurodegenerative disorders, deserves further investigation.