Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor Interacts with White Matter Hyperintensities to Influence Processing Speed and Hippocampal Volume in Older Adults

6Citations
Citations of this article
13Readers
Mendeley users who have this article in their library.

Abstract

Background: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a neurotrophin that plays an important role in regulating synaptic activity and plasticity. Objective: Given that type-2 diabetes (T2DM) increases the risk of cognitive decline, and studies have suggested lower BDNF levels may be a risk factor of diabetic neurovascular complications, we sought to investigate total white matter hyperintensities (WMH) as a moderator of the effect of BDNF on hippocampal volume and cognition. Methods: Older adults without dementia from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (N = 454 including 49 with T2DM and 405 without diabetes) underwent neuropsychological evaluation, magnetic resonance imaging to quantify hippocampal and WMH volumes, and blood draw to assess BDNF. Results: Adjusting for age, sex, and APOE ϵ4 carrier status, there was a significant interaction between total WMH and BDNF on bilateral hippocampal volume in the non-T2DM group (t = 2.63, p = 0.009). Examination of main effect models with a dichotomous high/low BNDF group revealed a significant main effect for low BDNF (t =-4.98, p < 0.001), such that as WMH increased, bilateral hippocampal volume decreased. There was also a significant interaction between total WMH and BDNF on processing speed in the non-T2DM group (t = 2.91, p = 0.004). There was a significant main effect for low BDNF (t =-3.55, p < 0.001) such that as WMH increased, processing speed decreased. The interactions were not significant in the T2DM group. Conclusion: These results further elucidate the protective role that BDNF plays on cognition, as well as the cognitive effects of WMH.

Cite

CITATION STYLE

APA

Brenner, E. K., Weigand, A. J., Edwards, L., Thomas, K. R., Edmonds, E. C., Bondi, M. W., & Bangen, K. J. (2023). Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor Interacts with White Matter Hyperintensities to Influence Processing Speed and Hippocampal Volume in Older Adults. Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, 93(1), 141–149. https://doi.org/10.3233/JAD-221178

Register to see more suggestions

Mendeley helps you to discover research relevant for your work.

Already have an account?

Save time finding and organizing research with Mendeley

Sign up for free