The role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the development of vascular cognitive impairment

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is principally involved in the phenomena of neuroplasticity of the brain and long-term synaptic potency (LTP) in the hippocampus. This article covers the role played by BDNF as a diagnostic marker of vascular cognitive disorders. The relationship between etiology and the degree of cognitive impairment with the level of BDNF is ambiguous. Especially if we take into account the fact that vascular pathology can be a trigger for molecular mechanisms of neurodegeneration. The lowest BDNF level can be found among patients with dementia in Alzheimer’s disease, and there is evidence that patients with neurodegenerative disease without cognitive impairment have a decreased BDNF level. Patients with vascular cognitive impairment have a less expressed decrease of BDNF level, although it can depend on severity of stroke. In case of vascular cognitive impairment, it is possible to improve cognitive state thanks to increased BDNF level in hippocampus after physical activity. That opens new opportunities in rehabilitation. Genetic polymorphism of BDNF leads to the problems with cognitive rehabilitation and increases the risk of post-stroke dementia and dementia in Alzheimer’s disease. Supposedly, changes in the structure of BDNF-propeptide, which is involved in the processes of long-term synaptic depression (LTD) of the hippocampus, are the main cause in this case.