Open AccessAssociations between social relationship measures, serum brain‐derived neurotrophic factor, and risk of stroke and dementia
Author(s) -
Salinas Joel,
Beiser Alexa,
Himali Jayandra J.,
Satizabal Claudia L.,
Aparicio Hugo J.,
Weinstein Galit,
Mateen Farrah J.,
Berkman Lisa F.,
Rosand Jonathan,
Seshadri Sudha
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
alzheimer's and dementia: translational research and clinical interventions
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.49
H-Index - 30
ISSN - 2352-8737
DOI - 10.1016/j.trci.2017.03.001
Subject(s) - dementia , stroke (engine) , brain derived neurotrophic factor , odds ratio , hazard ratio , medicine , risk factor , psychology , neurotrophic factors , framingham heart study , neuroprotection , clinical psychology , framingham risk score , disease , confidence interval , mechanical engineering , receptor , engineering
Mechanisms underlying social determinants of stroke and dementia are unclear and brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) may contribute as a molecular link. Methods Using the Framingham Study, we examined social relationship measures as predictors of higher serum BDNF level and cumulative incidence of stroke and dementia. Results Among 3294 participants, controlling for age and sex, isolation trended with lower BDNF (odds ratio = 0.69 [0.47–1.00]). Participants with more companionship had reduced risk for stroke (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.59 [0.41–0.83]) and dementia (HR = 0.67 [0.49–0.92]). Greater emotional support was associated with higher BDNF (odds ratio = 1.27 [1.04–1.54]), reduced dementia risk (HR = 0.69 [0.51–0.94], and among smokers, reduced stroke risk (HR = 0.23 [0.10–0.57]). Associations persisted after additional adjustments. BDNF partly mediated the total effect between emotional support and dementia risk. Conclusions Availability of social support appears to be associated with increased BDNF levels and, in certain subsets, reduce risk of subsequent dementia and stroke, thus warranting study of these pathways to understand their role in neuroprotection.