Brain-derived neurotrophic factor: the link between amyloid- and memory loss

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a critical molecule for learning and memory. Brain BDNF levels correlate with cognitive status. BDNF is downregulated in Alzheimers disease, in age-related cognitive impairment and in a variety of other neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders exhibiting cognitive deficits. BDNF is downregulated in the Alzheimers disease brain by soluble, aggregated amyloid-, acting via a pathway involving the …