Powering the Brain: Mitochondrial Peptides & Alzheimer’s Prevention

Mitochondrial health is central to brain resilience

When it comes to brain health—especially preventing Alzheimer’s disease—there’s one key system that often gets overlooked: our mitochondria.

You might remember from school that mitochondria are the “powerhouses of the cell.” But they’re much more than that. In our brain, they:

• Provide the energy our neurons need to function and survive

• Help clean up waste and reduce inflammation

• Play a major role in keeping memory and thinking sharp

When mitochondria break down—especially in people who carry the APOE4 gene—that’s when damage can start building up. Think of it like a power grid failing in a busy city: things get chaotic fast.

Luckily, there are special peptides (tiny proteins) that support mitochondrial health. Many are naturally made by your body. Some are being studied as potential therapies for Alzheimer’s, aging, and decline.

Humanin: The Cell’s Bodyguard

Humanin is a small protein your body naturally makes. It helps protect brain cells from stress and even from toxic proteins like amyloid-beta (one of the main culprits in Alzheimer’s disease, at least according to conventional research). Some studies show Humanin improves memory and brain function in mice bred to develop Alzheimer’s. Think of Humanin as a bodyguard—keeping your brain cells safe from threats.

While there’s no Humanin pill, there is much we can do to support endogenous production of this protein, such as

• physical activity and exercise

• time restricted eating (intermittent fasting)

• targeting inflammation and oxidative stress

• using NAD+ precursors and mitochondrial supportive compounds, such as PQQ,

  Astaxanthin, GHK-cu (copper peptide)

I take NAD+ injections (1000mg/month), cycle GHK-cu and take Astaxanthin in my daily stack.

🔬 Supporting Studies
Pubmed
Aging-US
Science Direct

MOTS-c: The “Exercise” Peptide

MOTS-c is another natural peptide made in the mitochondria. It acts a lot like exercise—turning on pathways in the body that reduce stress, boost energy use, and help our cells adapt to challenges. While not yet studied deeply in Alzheimer’s, it’s considered a strong tool for aging prevention and brain support. It’s especially helpful for APOE4 carriers, which affects how our mitochondria function. Working with a functional medicine practitioner, this peptide is available to be taken as a subcutaneous injection.
I cycle MOTS-c twice a year using it daily for 4 weeks.

🔬 Supporting Studies
Journal of Translational Medicine
Pubmed
AlzDiscovery

Cerebrolysin: Brain Repair in a Vial

Cerebrolysin is a unique, injectable neuropeptide blend originally developed in Austria. It’s been used clinically in Europe and Asia for decades in stroke, traumatic brain injury, and even Alzheimer’s patients.

It works by mimicking natural growth factors in the brain—promoting regeneration, synaptic repair, and protecting mitochondria from oxidative stress. For people with APOE4, that’s a huge win.

While not FDA-approved in the U.S., it’s legally available in many countries and can be used off-label in longevity clinics or prescribed for neurological recovery. From my personal experience, after completing a 20-day cycle of intramuscular injections into my thigh, I experienced no side effects.

🔬 Supporting Studies
Pubmed
ScienceDirect
AlzDiscovery

Selank (and Semax)

These are synthetic neuropeptides originally developed by the Institute of Molecular Genetics in Russia.

Selank has anti-anxiety, neuroprotective, and possible mitochondria-supporting effects via modulation of BDNF and oxidative stress reduction and Semax supports learning, attention, and has anti-inflammatory and mitochondrial benefits.

While these peptides can be administered subcutaneously, they are more commonly delivered as a nasal spray.

🔬 Supporting Studies
Pubmed
ScienceDirect

SS-31 (Elamipretide): Direct Mitochondrial Repair

SS-31 is a peptide specifically designed to repair and protect mitochondria, especially in cells under stress—like neurons in aging or high-risk brains.

It targets cardiolipin, a vital component of mitochondrial membranes, and helps improve energy output (ATP), reduce oxidative damage, and restore healthy mitochondrial dynamics. In animal studies, it improved memory and reduced signs of brain aging.

While not yet commercially approved, SS-31 is available from reputable research peptide vendors and is being used off-label by practitioners focused on mitochondrial dysfunction and cognitive decline. I’m currently on my second cycle of SS-31 peptide.

🔬 Supporting Studies
AlzDiscovery
Journal of Biomedical Chemistry
Pubmed

Our mitochondria may not get much attention, but they are central to how we age—and how we remember. For those of us with the APOE4 gene, supporting mitochondrial health isn’t just a good idea—it’s foundational. The peptides I’ve shared here aren’t theoretical. They’re tools I’ve personally used, cycled, and integrated into a prevention-first lifestyle. This isn’t about chasing the next shiny thing—it’s about giving our cells what they need to thrive. If you’re navigating APOE4, mitochondrial support may just be the most overlooked, actionable step you can take toward protecting your brain.