The Relationship between Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) Levels and Cognitive Function in the Elderly

Abstract

Human physiological function will decline with age, including a decline in cognitive function. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is one of the neurotrophins of the neurotrophic group. BDNF is involved in synaptic development, plasticity, and cognitive function and is elevated in ischemic stroke. So, this study aims to analyze the relationship between BDNF levels and cognitive function in the elderly. This study was conducted in Gowa Regency, Indonesia. The cross-sectional research design involved 64 older adults aged 60 to 75. BDNF levels were measured by ELISA and cognitive function using the Indonesian version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA-INA) and were variables to be analyzed. Sex, age, education level and occupation affected cognitive function, and there was a strong correlation between BDNF levels and cognitive function. The cut-off level of BDNF ≤ 1.99 ng/mL had a sensitivity of 82.9% and a specificity of 85.7% as a marker of cognitive dysfunction. Serum BDNF levels are significant for cognitive function impairment in the elderly.