BDNF Val66Met and cognition: all, none, or some? A meta‐analysis of the genetic association

The Val66Met, G196A (rs6265) polymorphism in the brain‐derived neurotrophic factor gene, BDNF, located at 11p13, has been associated with a wide range of cognitive functions. Yet, the pattern of results is complex and conflicting. In this study, we conducted a meta‐analysis that included 23 publications containing 31 independent samples comprised of 7095 individuals. The phenotypes that were examined in this analysis covered a wide variety of cognitive functions and included indicators of general cognitive ability, memory, executive function, visual processing skills and cognitive fluency. The meta‐analysis did not establish significant genetic associations between the Val66Met polymorphism and any of the phenotypes that were included.