The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene Val66Met polymorphism affects memory performance in older adults
Braz. J. Psychiatry (São Paulo, 1999, Impr.)
;
39(2): 90-94, Apr.-June 2017. tab, graf
Article
in English
| LILACS
| ID: biblio-844184
ABSTRACT
Objective:
Memory impairment is an important contributor to the reduction in quality of life experienced by older adults, and genetic risk factors seem to contribute to variance in age-related cognitive decline. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is an important nerve growth factor linked with development and neural plasticity. The Val66Met polymorphism in the BDNF gene has been associated with impaired episodic memory in adults, but whether this functional variant plays a role in cognitive aging remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism on memory performance in a sample of elderly adults.Methods:
Eighty-seven subjects aged > 55 years were recruited using a community-based convenience sampling strategy in Porto Alegre, Brazil. The logical memory subset of the Wechsler Memory Scale-Revised was used to assess immediate verbal recall (IVR), delayed verbal recall (DVR), and memory retention rate.Results:
BDNF Met allele carriers had lower DVR scores (p = 0.004) and a decline in memory retention (p = 0.017) when compared to Val/Val homozygotes. However, we found no significant differences in IVR between the two groups (p = 0.088).Conclusion:
These results support the hypothesis of the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism as a risk factor associated with cognitive impairment, corroborating previous findings in young and older adults.
Full text:
Available
Index:
LILACS (Americas)
Main subject:
Valine
/
Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor
/
Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
/
Memory Disorders
/
Methionine
Type of study:
Etiology study
/
Risk factors
Limits:
Aged
/
Aged80
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
Language:
English
Journal:
Braz. J. Psychiatry (São Paulo, 1999, Impr.)
Journal subject:
Psychiatry
Year:
2017
Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Brazil
Institution/Affiliation country:
Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul/BR
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