Dementia, depression, and heart failure: Central role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and possible common...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Cardiology
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Heart failure (HF) is a complex syndrome with significant neuropsychiatric effects.
• Cognitive impairment and depression are prevalent in HF patients, worsening outcomes.
• The underlying neurobiology of these comorbidities remains incompletely understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the neurobiological mechanisms linking HF, depression, and dementia.
• To highlight the role of the heart-brain axis and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).
• To explore potential therapeutic targets for improving mental and cognitive health in HF.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of neuroendocrine, inflammatory, and neuroplastic mechanisms.
• Focus on the integrative heart-brain axis.
• Emphasis on BDNF's role in synaptic plasticity and stress resilience.

Main Results:

• Converging evidence links HF to altered hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity.
• Systemic inflammation and impaired BDNF signaling are key mediators.
• These factors contribute to cognitive decline and depression in HF.

Conclusions:

• Understanding the interplay between HF, HPA axis, inflammation, and BDNF is crucial.
• Novel multimodal therapies targeting neurotrophic pathways show promise.
• Improving cognitive and mental health outcomes in HF patients is a key goal.