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Journal of internal medicine
Published

Bioenergetics and lipid metabolism in Alzheimer's disease: From cell biology to systemic health

Authors

Silvia Maioli, Ivan Nalvarte, Maria Ankarcrona, Marianne Schultzberg, Kristen L Zuloaga, Julen Goikolea, Pieter Jelle Visser, Bart De Strooper, Bengt Winblad, Paola Pizzo, Pete A Williams, Patricia Rodriguez-Rodriguez, Luana Naia

Abstract

J Intern Med. 2025 Nov 6. doi: 10.1111/joim.70036. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a complex neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive cognitive decline. Although amyloid-β and tau pathologies remain central to our understanding of AD, growing evidence suggests that disrupted lipid metabolism and impaired bioenergetics are closely linked to these hallmark features. Genetic, lipidomic and functional studies point to alterations in cholesterol, phospholipids and polyunsaturated fatty acids, which can influence mitochondrial function, organelle communication and glial responses. These processes are further modulated by apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype, sex differences and systemic metabolic states such as obesity and diabetes, contributing to neuroinflammation and cognitive decline. Although findings are sometimes conflicting, an emerging theme is that lipid and energy metabolisms are central to how genetic and environmental risk factors shape AD pathogenesis. This integrated perspective highlights lipid and bioenergetic pathways as promising therapeutic targets, where metabolic modulators, lipid-directed interventions and lifestyle strategies may complement amyloid-based therapies and offer opportunities for precision approaches, particularly in women and APOE ε4 carriers.

PMID:41198597 | DOI:10.1111/joim.70036

UK DRI Authors

Bart De Strooper

Prof Bart De Strooper

Group Leader

Investigating the cellular reaction to amyloid beta and tau protein in Alzheimer's disease

Prof Bart De Strooper