Abstract: Mitochondria play a multidimensional role in the function and the vitality of the neurological system. From the generation of neural stem cells to the maintenance of neurons and their ultimate demise, mitochondria play a critical role in regulating our neural pathways’ homeostasis, a task that is critical to our cognitive health and neurological well-being. Mitochondria provide energy via oxidative phosphorylation for the neurotransmission and generation of an action potential along the neuron’s axon. This paper will first review and examine the molecular subtleties of the mitochondria’s role in neurogenesis and neuron vitality, as well as outlining the impact of defective mitochondria in neural aging. The authors will then summarize neurodegenerative diseases related to either neurogenesis or homeostatic dysfunction. Because of the significant detriment neurodegenerative diseases have on the quality of life, it is essential to understand their etiology and ongoing molecular mechanics. The mitochondrial role in neurogenesis and neuron vitality is essential. Dissecting and understanding this organelle’s role in the genesis and homeostasis of neurons should assist in finding pharmaceutical targets for neurodegenerative diseases.

Key words: Alzheimer’s disease, autophagy, mitochondria, mitophagy, neural stem cells, neurodegenerative diseases, neurogenesis, Parkin, Parkinson’s disease, PINK1