Lower brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels are associated with age-related memory impairment in community-dwelling older adults: the Sefuri study

Yoshito Mizoguchi,Yoshiomi Imamura,Hiroshi Yao,Akira Monji,Manabu Hashimoto

doi:10.1038/s41598-020-73576-1

Yoshito Mizoguchi, Yoshiomi Imamura + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-73576-1

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Journal: Scientific Reports	Publication Date: Oct 5, 2020
Citations: 37	License type: open-access

Affiliation: Saga University, Hizen Psychiatric Center

Abstract

The beneficial effects of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)—a member of the neurotrophin family—on cognitive function or dementia are well established in both rodents and human beings. In contrast, little is known about the association of proBDNF—a precursor protein with opposing neuronal effects of BDNF—with cognitive function in non-demented older adults. We analyzed brain magnetic resonance imaging findings of 256 community-dwelling older adults (mean age of 68.4 years). Serum BDNF and proBDNF levels were measured by quantitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Logistic regression analysis revealed that older age, less physical activity, hippocampal atrophy, and lower BDNF levels were independently associated with memory impairment determined by the Rivermead Behavioral Memory Test. Path analysis based on structural equation modeling indicated that age, sport activity, hippocampal atrophy and BDNF but not proBDNF were individually associated with Rivermead Behavioral Memory Test scores. These findings suggest that impaired BDNF function, in addition to physical inactivity and hippocampal atrophy, is associated with age-related memory impairment. Therefore, BDNF may be a potential target for dementia prevention.

Highlights

The beneficial effects of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)—a member of the neurotrophin family—on cognitive function or dementia are well established in both rodents and human beings
This is the first report to examine whether peripheral levels of both BDNF and proBDNF are associated with memory function in older adults with or without dementia
In the present cross-sectional study, logistic regression analysis revealed that age, sport activity, hippocampal atrophy, and BDNF were independently associated with memory function determined by Rivermead Behavioral Memory Test (RBMT)

Summary

Introduction

The beneficial effects of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)—a member of the neurotrophin family—on cognitive function or dementia are well established in both rodents and human beings. Path analysis based on structural equation modeling indicated that age, sport activity, hippocampal atrophy and BDNF but not proBDNF were individually associated with Rivermead Behavioral Memory Test scores. These findings suggest that impaired BDNF function, in addition to physical inactivity and hippocampal atrophy, is associated with age-related memory impairment. Of BDNF signaling is associated with neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson’s d isease[16] and A D17–19 It remains unclear how both proBDNF and BDNF are involved in memory decline and/or the onset of dementia among older a dults[17]. Our research might be useful for testing the hypothesis that proBDNF and mature BDNF elicit opposing roles on memory function in older adults

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