Mitochondria and Neurodegenerative Diseases

There is increasing recognition of the importance of mitochondria in neurodegenerative disorders. In fact, over the past twenty years or so, mitochondria dysfunction has risen from end stage epiphenomenon through intermediate modulator to a realization that it may be a primary effector of disease. This rise in prominence has been driven by a series of innovative research observations, including many by authors contributing to this special issue of the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease. In fact, it is no overstatement that in this special issue on mitochondria and neurodegeneration, we have been fortunate to gather some of the most foremost experts in the field to share up-to-date information concerning new developments in this exciting area of research as well as their therapeutic implications. We thank these contributors for their scholarship and also greatly appreciate the support of Medivation, Inc., especially Drs. Hank Mansbach and Andrew Protter, for making this issue possible. It is our sincere hope that this issue proves to be a timely resource to all those who are interested in mitochondria in neurodegeneration.