163: How Mitochondrial Decline Drives Brain Aging with Dr. Francisco Gonzalez-Lima

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Francisco González-Lima to delve into the metabolic mechanisms that drive brain aging and cognitive decline.

He begins by outlining how reductions in cytochrome oxidase activity, disruptions in oxidative phosphorylation, and the accumulation of mitochondrial mutations progressively impair neuronal energy metabolism. These metabolic deficits, he explains, often emerge long before the structural abnormalities associated with Alzheimer's disease.

Building on this foundation, the conversation examines how reactive oxygen species, mitochondrial inefficiency, and altered cortical oxygen utilization contribute to diminished cognitive resilience over time. Dr. González-Lima highlights why these metabolic disturbances provide a more coherent explanation for geriatric dementia than traditional protein-centric models.

The discussion then shifts to emerging therapeutic strategies. Dr. González-Lima reviews evidence for low-dose methylene blue and 1064 nm transcranial photobiomodulation, both of which appear to enhance mitochondrial respiration and support prefrontal function by directly targeting cytochrome oxidase activity.

He concludes by emphasizing the need for metabolism-focused interventions, improved cerebral perfusion, and more precise energy-based frameworks to guide the future of brain-aging therapeutics.

Learn more about Dr. Francisco González-Lima: https://liberalarts.utexas.edu/psychology/faculty/fg

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