New findings from the Framingham Heart Study show an association between high serum levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and a reduced risk of dementia in certain sectors of the population. Among women, people aged ≥80 years and individuals with college degrees, the risk of dementia was reduced by over 50% in those with BDNF levels in the top quartile compared with the bottom quartile. The results suggest a possible role for BDNF in dementia prevention, at least in selected subgroups.
References
Weinstein, G. et al. Serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor and the risk for dementia: the Framingham Heart Study. JAMA Neurol. 10.1001/jamaneurol.2013.4781
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Brain-derived neurotrophic factor might protect against dementia in selected population subgroups. Nat Rev Neurol 10, 3 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1038/nrneurol.2013.262
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/nrneurol.2013.262