Val66Met Polymorphism of the BDNF Gene and Work Intellectual Complexity: Associations with Speed Characteristics of Cognitive Activity in Aging

The high heterogeneity of cognitive aging is explained by the influence of both genetic and environmental factors. It has been shown that increasing cognitive reserve prevents the development of aging-related cognitive impairment. Education and level of professional activity are considered external factors in the formation of cognitive reserve. BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) is a neurotrophic factor involved in the processes of plasticity of the mature brain. A polymorphism (Val66Met) of the BDNF gene is associated with differential expression of BDNF, suggesting its potential role in the on cognitive training outcomes. The associations between Val66Met polymorphism and the effectiveness of mental training caused by and work intellectual complexity throughout adult life (in our study, a comparison of scientists - SA and people not associated with professional scientific activities — NSA remain unstudied. The objective of the study was to assess the modulating effect of these factors in relation to aging-related changes in the processes of attention and figurative creativity in models that allow us to consider both the efficiency and speed aspects of activity. The study involved 257 healthy young and 162 elderly Caucasians belonging to the groups of SA and NSA. It has been shown that the Val66Met polymorphism of the BDNF gene is associated with the influence of the level of professional activity on the efficiency of cognitive functions only in elderly subjects. At a higher intensity of intellectual activity (SA), Val/Val, but not Val/Met carriers, showed a reduction in the average reaction time in the Attention network test and an increase in fluency when testing figurative creativity compared to similar indicators of elderly subjects in the NSA group. The results obtained indicate greater plasticity of cognitive functions in carriers of the Val/Val genotype and may be used for prediction and development of methods for differentiated correction of age-related cognitive decline.