Gene change linked to poor memory

From Orlando, Fla., at a meeting of the Society for Neuroscience

A subtle change in a gene encoding a brain chemical may give some people better memory skills than others.

Known as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), the chemical has become a hot topic among neuroscientists. BDNF is known to promote the development of the nervous system in early life, as well as help nerve cells survive when exposed to stresses.