Makassar, Indonesia April 25 2026/PMN-RG/ – As people grow older, one of the most common fears is losing memory and the ability to think clearly. Forgetting names, misplacing objects, or struggling to focus may seem like normal aging—but in many cases, these are early signs of cognitive decline. The question is: can we detect and prevent it earlier?
A recent study offers a promising answer through a small but powerful protein called Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF).
BDNF plays a critical role in the brain. It supports the growth, survival, and communication of neurons—the cells responsible for thinking, learning, and memory. In simple terms, BDNF helps keep the brain “alive and active.” According to the study, BDNF is directly involved in brain plasticity, which allows the brain to adapt, learn, and recover from damage.
The research, conducted among 64 elderly individuals in Indonesia, found a strong relationship between BDNF levels and cognitive function. As shown in the results on page 3, there was a significant correlation between BDNF levels and cognitive performance (r = 0.757; p = 0.000). This means that higher BDNF levels are associated with better cognitive function.
Even more importantly, the study identified a critical threshold. The analysis on page 4 revealed that BDNF levels of ≤ 1.99 ng/mL could predict cognitive impairment with high sensitivity (82.9%) and specificity (85.7%). In simple terms, measuring BDNF levels could help detect early signs of cognitive decline before symptoms become severe.
Why does this matter?
Early detection is key. Cognitive decline often progresses slowly, and by the time it is noticeable, significant brain changes may have already occurred. By using BDNF as a biomarker, healthcare providers could identify at-risk individuals earlier and take preventive action.
This aligns closely with SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, which emphasizes the importance of promoting healthy lives for all ages. As the global population continues to age, maintaining cognitive health becomes a major public health priority.
The study also highlights factors that influence cognitive function, including age, gender, education level, and occupation. For example, as noted in the table on page 3, individuals with lower education levels were more likely to experience cognitive impairment. This suggests that both biological and social factors play a role in brain health.
The good news is that BDNF levels are not fixed. Research shows that physical activity, mental stimulation, and a healthy lifestyle can help increase BDNF levels. This means that individuals have the power to protect their brain health through simple daily habits.
In conclusion, the discovery of BDNF as a predictor of cognitive function opens new opportunities in preventive healthcare. It shifts the focus from treating cognitive decline to preventing it. With early detection and proper intervention, we can help older adults maintain their independence, dignity, and quality of life.
Sometimes, the key to understanding the aging brain lies in something very small—but incredibly powerful.
Reference :
DOI : https://doi.org/10.57239/PJLSS-2024-22.1.00395
Contact:
Dr. Yuliana Syam, S.Kp., Ns, M.Si.
+6281342012733
yulianasyam@unhas.ac.id
