Study of brain derived neurotrophic factor and cognition in mobile addicts: an observational study

Background: Smartphones are the most popular devices and most used devices which leads to uncontrolled use or addiction. Neuroplasticity is the ability of the central nervous system to modify its structure and functions as reaction to internal and external stimuli which can be measured by levels of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Excessive smartphone uses results in negative impacts on cognition. Thus, this study aims to understand the process of neuroplasticity and cognition by studying the levels of serum BDNF in Mobile Addicts. Methods: This observational study included 48 participants divided into two groups 1) mobile addicts (n=24) and 2) non-mobile addicts (n=24). We assessed levels of BDNF using blood test and Cognition by using a game-based app in each of the participants. We analyzed the results of the BDNF test and the Cognition test and compared the results between the two groups. Results: In the conducted study, a comparison among mobile and non-mobile addicts showed no statistical significance in BDNF levels and Cognition scores with p value 0.4897 and 0.04897 respectively. Conclusion: The study concludes that there is no difference in the process of neuroplasticity and cognition occurring in the brains of age and gender matched Mobile addicts and non-mobile addicts.