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Interaction between BDNF Polymorphism and Physical Activity on Inhibitory Performance in the Elderly without
Anne Canivet1, Cédric T Albinet1,2, Montserrat Rodríguez-Ballesteros3
1Université de Poitiers, Centre de Recherches sur la Cognition et l'Apprentissage, CNRS UMR 7295, Poitiers, France.
Frontiers in Human Neuroscience
|November 23, 2017
Summary
Physical activity enhances cognitive function in older adults. The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) Val66Met gene variant influences this relationship, with inactive individuals carrying the Val-homozygous genotype showing poorer inhibition.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
- Gerontology
Background:
- Physical activity (PA) is known to improve cognitive performance, brain plasticity, and overall brain health in the elderly.
- The neurotrophic hypothesis suggests PA triggers brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) release, crucial for brain plasticity and cognition.
- Genetic variations, such as the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism, can influence individual differences in cognitive abilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism on the association between physical activity and controlled inhibition in older adults.
- To explore how genetic predisposition interacts with physical activity levels to affect cognitive control mechanisms.
Main Methods:
- 114 healthy older adults (mean age 71.53) were genotyped for the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism.
- Inhibitory performance was assessed using reaction times and error rates in a Simon-like task.
- Physical activity levels were self-reported, and participants were categorized into four groups based on PA and genotype.
Main Results:
- A significant interaction was found between the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism and physical activity on controlled inhibition.
- Inactive individuals with the Val-homozygous genotype demonstrated significantly lower inhibition performance, characterized by higher error rates.
- Active Val-homozygous individuals and inactive Met carriers showed better inhibition performance compared to inactive Val-homozygous participants.
Conclusions:
- Individual differences in inhibitory control among older adults can be partly explained by the interplay between BDNF genetic variations and physical activity levels.
- The findings support the neurotrophic hypothesis, highlighting BDNF synthesis as a key mechanism mediating the positive effects of physical activity on brain function.
- Targeted interventions considering genetic predispositions may enhance the cognitive benefits of physical activity in aging populations.
