BDNF val66met polymorphism affects aging of multiple types of memory.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Genetics
• Psychology

Background:

• Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is vital for synaptic plasticity, learning, and memory.
• The BDNF val66met polymorphism (rs6265) affects BDNF secretion, potentially impacting memory function.
• Previous research suggests met allele carriers may have deficits in declarative memory, but specific impacts and aging effects are unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the influence of the BDNF val66met polymorphism on various memory indices across the lifespan.
• To examine how aging interacts with the BDNF val66met polymorphism in healthy adults.
• To determine which specific types of declarative memory are affected by this genetic variation and age.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study of 116 healthy adults aged 20-93 years.
• Assessed multiple memory measures: item, associative, prospective, and subjective memory complaints.
• Grouped participants based on BDNF val66met polymorphism (val homozygotes vs. met carriers).

Main Results:

• Advancing age negatively impacted item, associative, and prospective memory, but not subjective complaints.
• Significant age×BDNF interactions revealed a stronger age-related decline in item and prospective memory for met carriers.
• BDNF met carriers reported more subjective memory complaints and trended towards poorer associative memory, irrespective of age.

Conclusions:

• The BDNF val66met polymorphism influences multiple facets of episodic memory.
• Genetic predisposition to BDNF levels exacerbates age-related memory decline, particularly for item and prospective memory.
• Subjective memory complaints are higher in BDNF met carriers, suggesting a broader impact on memory perception.