An Open-label Exploratory Study Investigating BDNF Essentials® for Cognition in Healthy Adults with Self-reported Memory Complaints

Abstract

An open-label, exploratory study has been conducted to investigate the ef-ficacy of BDNF Essentials® for cognitive function and neurological health. Twenty healthy adults ≥45 years of age, with a score ≥24 on the Mini-Mental State Ex-amination (MMSE-2) and self-reported memory complaints were supplemented with BDNF Es-sentials® for 84 days. Computerized Mental Performance Assessment System (COMPASS) tests for memory, attention, and processing speed were conducted, and change in plasma brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), Profile of Mood States (POMS), the Healthy People Sleep Quality Index (HPSQI), perceived stress scale (PSS), and salivary cortisol, interleukin (IL)-6, and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were assessed at baseline and days 28, 56, and 84. Supplementation with BDNF Essentials® significantly increased COMPASS tests for memory, attention, and processing speed (all P<0.05). Salivary cortisol was found to be significantly decreased at days 56 and 84, and IL-6 at day 84 (P<0.05). A reduction in depression-dejection at day 56 and in confusion-bewilderment at day 84, and an improvement in sleep satis-faction at day 56 (all p<0.05) were reported. BDNF Essentials® improved reaction time in measures of working memory, episodic memory, and attention, reduced biomarkers of stress and inflammation, and improved mood and sleep. BDNF Essentials® has been found to be safe and well-tolerated in adults with self-reported memory complaints.