Serum BDNF predicts increases in telomere length during a month-long residential meditation retreat
Brain Behavior and Immunity Integrative September 1, 2023 Quinn A Conklin, Cavan E. Patterson, Brandon G King et al.
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein involved in learning and neuroplasticity, was measured in experienced meditators before and during a month-long silent retreat. Participants with higher BDNF levels at the start of the retreat showed greater increases in telomere length over three weeks. However, BDNF levels did not change on average during the retreat, and higher BDNF was linked to lower telomerase activity. The findings suggest that a person's baseline BDNF, rather than changes induced by meditation, may influence cellular aging markers.