ExoBDNF probiotic supplementation over 9 weeks significantly enhanced cognitive performance, sleep quality, and emotional well-being in adults with Subjective Cognitive Decline, with improvements in subjective cognition closely tied to alleviated emotional distress.
Key Findings
Results
ExoBDNF supplementation significantly improved subjective cognitive function as measured by the SCD-Questionnaire.
Improvement in SCD-Q was statistically significant (p < 0.001)
Study design was a 9-week open-label supplementation trial
The SCD-Questionnaire (SCD-Q) was used to assess subjective cognitive decline
Results
ExoBDNF supplementation significantly improved sleep quality as measured by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI).
Improvement in PSQI scores was statistically significant (p < 0.001)
PSQI was one of five efficacy assessment tools used in the study
The intervention period was 9 weeks
Results
ExoBDNF supplementation significantly reduced emotional distress as measured by the DASS-21.
Improvement in DASS-21 scores was statistically significant (p < 0.001)
The DASS-21 measures depression, anxiety, and stress
This was assessed in an open-label study design
Results
ExoBDNF supplementation produced significant improvements in objective cognitive performance, including MoCA scores and executive function metrics.
MoCA score improvement was statistically significant (p = 0.047)
Executive function was assessed via a computerized cognitive battery measuring inhibition (Go/No-Go), flexibility (Task Switching), and working memory
Significant gains were reported in executive function metrics following the intervention
Results
Longitudinal reductions in SCD scores were significantly correlated with concurrent reductions in emotional distress.
Spearman correlation analysis revealed rho = 0.471, p = 0.009 between changes in SCD scores and changes in emotional distress
This finding supports a close link between subjective cognitive improvement and emotional well-being
Correlation analysis was used rather than a controlled experimental design to assess this relationship
Results
Higher baseline SCD scores predicted greater improvement in emotional outcomes following ExoBDNF supplementation.
Spearman correlation between baseline SCD scores and emotional outcome improvement was rho = -0.540, p = 0.002
The negative rho indicates that higher baseline subjective cognitive burden was associated with greater emotional distress reduction
This suggests individuals with more severe baseline subjective cognitive decline may derive greater emotional benefit from the intervention