Higher brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression is associated with slower cognitive decline and may reduce the deleterious effects of Alzheimer Disease (AD) pathology on cognitive decline. This according to a study of 535 older participants who underwent cognitive assessment and brain autopsy at death. Researchers found:

• Higher brain BDNF expression was associated with slower cognitive decline.

• Cognitive decline was about 50% slower with the 90^th percentile BDNF
  expression vs 10^th; an association strongest in individuals with dementia.

• Level of BDNF expression was lower in individuals with pathologic AD, but was not associated with macroscopic infarcts, Lewy body disease, or hippocampal sclerosis.

• BDNF expression remained associated with cognitive decline after adjusting for age, sex, education, and neuropathologies.

• The effect of AD pathology on cognitive decline varied by BDNF expression such that the effect was strongest for high levels of AD pathology; thus, in individuals with high AD pathology, cognitive decline was about 40% slower with the 90^th percentile BDNF expression vs 10^th.

Citation: Buchman AS, Yu L, Boyle PA, Schneider JA, De Jager PL, Bennett DA. Higher brain BDNF gene expression is associated with slower cognitive decline in older adults. [Published online ahead of print January 27, 2016]. Neurology. doi: 10.​1212/​WNL.​0000000000002387.