Abstract
Background: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is involved in neuronal survival and synaptic plasticity, but can be released by platelets, confounding its measurement. Objective: We aimed to compare BDNF concentrations following different processing strategies. Methods: We analyzed BDNF in 99 older adults with and without cognitive impairment. Processing EDTA plasma normally (PRP) resulted in different values than removing platelets (PPP). Results: Cognitively impaired participants had lower BDNF compared to controls in PPP, while PRP BDNF showed no differences. A positive relationship was evident between PPP BDNF and AD biomarkers measured in PRP. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that circulating BDNF may be a compensatory mechanism in impaired participants and underscore the importance of blood pre-processing strategies.