Objective: To investigate the role of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene val66met polymorphism in the association between stroke and depression.
Method: Five hundred community residents aged >65 years without stroke or depression at baseline were re-evaluated after 2 years. Disability (World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule, WHODAS II), cognitive function (Mini-Mental State Examination, MMSE), and BDNF genotype were also measured at baseline.
Results: The association between incident stroke and depression was strengthened progressively with increasing numbers of met alleles, and was only significant in subjects with the met/met genotype after adjustment for disability and cognitive function.
Conclusion: The BDNF val66met polymorphism may modify the association between stroke and depression.