The moderation effect of BDNF genotype and self-reported habitual physical activity levels on age of onset, disease progression, and postural instability in Parkinson’s disease
Background: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) level has been reported to play an important role in driving neuroplasticity in patients with neurologic disorders, and levels of BDNF are known to increase in response to vigorous physical activity. The degree to which the BDNF gene is expressed is modulated, at least in part, by the associated genotype, with favorable genotypes producing greater amounts of this important neurotrophin. Among the various physical impairments seen in individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD), postural instability is least likely to respond to medication and must be treated with exercise intervention, which is theorized to have a neuroprotective effect in neurodegenerative diseases. It is not known, however, in what way BDNF genotype and the history of one’s physical activity throughout life might modulate this neuroprotective response.
Purpose: To determine if BDNF genotype interacts with lifetime self-reported physical activity levels to affect the degree of postural instability present, as determined by measures of gait and balance function, as well as disease severity and age of onset in individuals with PD.
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