Curcumin prevents mitochondrial dysfunction in the brain of the senescence-accelerated mouse-prone 8

► Mitochondrial dysfunction and reduced energy production occur in the aging brain. ► We studied if SAMP8 vs. SAMR1 mice can be used as a model for mitochondrial function. ► Mitochondrial function was reduced and fission enhanced in SAMP8 vs. SAMR1 mice. ► Curcumin-intake restored mitochondrial function & fusion, perhaps by activating PGC1α. ► Age-dependent changes in brain mitochondrial function can be prevented by curcumin.