The Impact of Physical Exercise on Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) Level in Elderly Population

BACKGROUND: Memory function disorder is a major health problem in geriatric patients. Physical exercise has the potency to decrease the incidence of many degenerative and chronic health problem, related to cognitive deterioration (dementia). AIM: This research aimed to observe the effect of physical exercise in various doses and duration on memory function by analysing the role of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) as a regulatory protein affected by exercise. METHODS: This was an analytical observational study with a cohort design. Thirty participants were included in each group, classified as exercise and non-exercise group. The exercise was in the form of jogging for at least fifteen minutes every day. The observation was done for sixty days. Cognitive function assessment was done by using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) questionnaire. Meanwhile, the BDNF level was assessed by ELISA. Statistical analysis was done using Independent T-test. RESULTS: Exercise group showed better MMSE score (28.56 ± 1.76), and a higher concentration of BDNF (235.34 ± 12.56 pg/mL), both were statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Physical exercise was able to maintain geriatric cognitive function performance by BDNF protein regulation.