Ever heard of a protein in the brain that keeps you mentally agile for life? This protein is what is known as the BDNF. Hang on tight let’s get to know this brain protein better.
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What is BDNF?
According to www.bosterbio.com, the Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor is a brain protein that acts as a fertilizer to your brain cells. It is known to be the most active neurotrophin in the brain which stimulates and supports the birthing of new neurons and neural pathways. This process is known as neurogenesis. The BDNF in the brain can be assessed with the help of BDNF ELISA tests. Here are some of the numerous works that the BDNF does in the body;
- Supports neurogenesis
- Advanced mental function
- Creation of synaptic connections and neural pathways
- Neuroplasticity- supports the healing of neurons after a brain injury
- Survival of neurons after a brain injury in its changing environment
- Learning and long-term retention of information
- Supports the presynapse release of glutamate and the synthesizing of postsynaptic glutamate receptor
- Supports the regeneration of brain cells
The BDNF is expressed in the hippocampus, forebrain, and cortex. It is also found in other places in the body. These include; the retina, saliva, prostate, blood, CSF, etc. However, the most important functions of the BDNF are the ones it performs in the human brain.
Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Deficiency (BDNF)
The BDNF in the brain gets deficient and this can cause a lot of disorders in the body. A lot of times BDNF deficiency symptoms are overlooked as they might be subtle and are associated with other ailments. Here are 5 most prevalent symptoms of BDNF deficiency.
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Dementia
- Sleeplessness
- Manifestation of neurodegenerative diseases
Depression
Studies have shown a decrease in BDNF levels in depressed patients. BDNF has been found to work as an antidepressant in the brain. Helping you function properly in your society and look forward to every social gathering with family and friends. However, lowered BDNF has been associated with the behavioral pattern of depressed persons. This can cause the individual to harm themselves if not taken seriously.
Anxiety
Most persons with cases of decreased BDNF levels have been found to exhibit subtle forms of anxiety which is treated as a psychiatric condition in today’s world. A genetic substitution of the coding of the BDNF structure at codon 66 which has valine with methionine has been found as a risk factor for anxiety disorders such as PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder).
Dementia
Dementia is the inability to remember things or retain information. Information recently acquired is easily lost in a myriad of foggy memories if you have dementia. BDNF plays a major role when it comes to the retention of knowledge acquired. As one gets older, the BDNF levels naturally decrease and usher in forgetfulness of what one is naturally supposed to remember. One tends to forget familiar faces and is unable to recognize familiar places and things. The cognitive capacity of a human is greatly reduced with lowered BDNF. Therefore if you want to have a super active memory even at 100, increase your BDNF.
Sleeplessness
People with anxiety disorders are often unable to have a good night’s sleep. BDNF helps for restfulness during sleep. During deep sleep, BDNF is released which increases slow brain waves and restfulness at this stage of sleep.
Manifestation of Neurodegenerative diseases
BDNF deficiency has been seen to be associated with neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. When BDNF is deficient in a human being, the rebirth of neurons and creation of neural connections in the brain is slow or stalled and so can result in these aforementioned diseases. What can one do in the case of BDNF deficiency? Here are a few things you can do to increase your BDNF levels.
What You Must Do To Increase Your Bdnf
Do what makes you happy: Take walks, visit your loved ones, dance your heart out and go on fun trips. All of these affect hormone production in your body that keeps your mood from swinging thus preventing you from going into isolation and suffering from depression because of reduced BDNF. The BDNF is a lover of activities therefore keep yourself occupied with an activity at each time of the day but ensure not to stress yourself out because your BDNF is an enemy to stress.
Conclusion
While you are out trying your hands at all fun activities and mental games, ensure to grab a cup of coffee to boost your BDNF even better.
Also Read: Maintaining Good Practices: GxP, Explained