What you carry at this position in your DNA and what research says about it.
Brain Health and Memory: 8/10 evidence, 13 publications.
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Sample genotype (not yours): C/C
Lower Cognitive Impairment Risk but Poorer Memory
This genotype is associated with a lower risk of mild cognitive impairment and a lower body mass index. However, it may also relate to poorer baseline memory performance during aging.
What this genotype means: Lower risk of mild cognitive impairment; Lower average body mass index; Slightly poorer baseline memory performance.
Sample genotype (not yours): C/T
Typical Memory and Cognitive Risk Profile
Carrying one copy of each allele generally results in intermediate or typical baseline memory performance and average metabolic traits.
What this genotype means: Typical memory performance; Average body mass index; Typical response to antidepressants.
Sample genotype (not yours): T/T
Better Memory with Higher Cognitive Impairment Risk
This genotype is linked to stronger baseline memory performance in older age, but carries an increased susceptibility to mild cognitive impairment and higher body mass index.
What this genotype means: Better baseline memory performance; Higher risk of mild cognitive impairment; Slightly higher average body mass index.
Gene function and biological role
Gene Function: The BDNF gene encodes brain-derived neurotrophic factor, a vital protein that supports the survival, growth, and maintenance of brain cells. It plays a central role in synaptic plasticity, which is the brain's ability to adapt and reorganize itself in response to learning and new experiences. Healthy levels of this neurotrophin are crucial for maintaining cognitive function, particularly in brain regions like the hippocampus that manage memory consolidation. Variations in this gene are frequently studied for their wide-ranging impacts on mental health, cognitive aging, and metabolic regulation.
Variant Impact: The rs7103411 variant is an intronic change located within the BDNF gene. Because it resides in a non-coding region, it does not alter the amino acid sequence of the protein directly, but it is thought to influence gene expression levels. Research suggests that this variant is linked to differences in cognitive aging, memory performance, and susceptibility to mood disorders [1]. It also shows associations with metabolic traits like body mass index and physical activity levels [2].
Key Insight: While the T allele is linked to better baseline memory performance in older age, it paradoxically increases the risk of developing mild cognitive impairment unless paired with regular social activity.
Location: BDNF. Chromosome 11 · 11p14.1 · 27.7 Mb
Estimated prevalence by population
Global 4.1%; European 4.5%; African 0.7%; East Asian 22.3%; South Asian 9.3%; Americas 3.4%; Ashkenazi 8.5%; Finnish 2.6%; Middle Eastern 4.9%; Amish 11.3%.
Estimated CC genotype frequency.
Global 28.7%; European 33.3%; African 15.2%; East Asian 49.8%; South Asian 42.4%; Americas 30.0%; Ashkenazi 41.3%; Finnish 27.2%; Middle Eastern 34.4%; Amish 44.6%.
Estimated CT genotype frequency.
Global 67.2%; European 62.2%; African 84.2%; East Asian 27.9%; South Asian 48.3%; Americas 66.6%; Ashkenazi 50.2%; Finnish 70.2%; Middle Eastern 60.7%; Amish 44.0%.
Estimated TT genotype frequency.
Showing effects for C/C genotype
Neurology & Mental Health
Memory, Learning & Attention
Memory Performance. Evidence: 3/10. Source: PMID 21167606. Poorer Memory.
Cognitive Impairment. Evidence: 3/10. Source: PMID 21167606. Lower Risk.
Cardiovascular & Metabolic
Obesity & Body Composition
Body Mass Index. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 28448500. Lower BMI.
Pharmacogenomics
Antidepressant & Psychiatric Drug Response
Antidepressant Response. Evidence: 5/10. Source: PMID 19236730. Typical Response.
Immunity & Inflammation
Inflammatory & Circulating Protein Markers
C-Reactive Protein. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 35459240. Lower Levels.
Showing effects for C/T genotype
Memory Performance. Evidence: 3/10. Source: PMID 21167606. Typical Memory.
Body Mass Index. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 28448500. Typical BMI.
C-Reactive Protein. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 35459240. Typical Levels.
Showing effects for T/T genotype
Memory Performance. Evidence: 3/10. Source: PMID 21167606. Better Memory.
Cognitive Impairment. Evidence: 3/10. Source: PMID 21167606. Higher Risk.
Body Mass Index. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 28448500. Higher BMI.
Antidepressant Response. Evidence: 5/10. Source: PMID 19236730. Poorer Response.
C-Reactive Protein. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 35459240. Higher Levels.
What this genotype means for the people who carry it
Sample genotype: CC (Homozygous)
Inheriting two copies of the C allele appears to offer some protective benefits against age-related cognitive decline. Clinical studies indicate that individuals with this genotype have a significantly lower risk of developing mild cognitive impairment compared to those with the T/T genotype. On the metabolic side, this genotype is linked to a lower average body mass index [1] and lower levels of C-reactive protein, a key marker of systemic inflammation. However, these benefits are balanced by a tendency toward poorer baseline memory performance in older age. Additionally, research suggests a potential link to lower levels of self-reported physical activity [1].
Lower risk of mild cognitive impairment; Lower average body mass index; Slightly poorer baseline memory performance.
Sample genotype: CT (Heterozygous)
Having a heterozygous genotype means carrying one C allele and one T allele, which typically results in a balanced genetic influence. Memory performance and cognitive aging patterns in these individuals generally align with the population average. The risk of developing mild cognitive impairment is lower than that of T/T homozygotes, presenting a moderate protective effect. Metabolic markers, including body mass index [1] and systemic inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein, tend to remain within the typical range. Response to common selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors like citalopram is also expected to be typical [2].
Typical memory performance; Average body mass index; Typical response to antidepressants.
Sample genotype: TT (Homozygous)
Carrying two copies of the T allele is associated with better baseline memory performance during normal cognitive aging, particularly in women. However, this advantage is accompanied by an increased susceptibility to mild cognitive impairment in later life. Interestingly, engaging in regular social activities has been shown to significantly mitigate this cognitive risk. From a metabolic standpoint, this genotype is associated with a slightly higher average body mass index [1] and elevated levels of C-reactive protein. There is also a preliminary association with a poorer response to the antidepressant citalopram [2].
Better baseline memory performance; Higher risk of mild cognitive impairment; Slightly higher average body mass index.
Variants with shared genetic architecture
rs6265 · BDNF Gene · Chr 11 · Brain Health and Plasticity
rs11030104 · BDNF Gene · Chr 11 · Weight and Joint Health
rs2030323 · BDNF Gene · Chr 11 · Weight and Appetite Control
The role of BDNF genetic polymorphisms in bipolar disorder with psychiatric comorbidities.
Genome-wide physical activity interactions in adiposity - A meta-analysis of 200,452 adults.
Content updated August 2026.
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