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Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is involved in numerous cognitive functions including learning and memory. BDNF plays an important role in synaptic plasticity in humans and rats with BDNF shown to be essential for the formation of long-term memories. We previously identified a significant association between the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism (rs6265) and long-term visual memory (p-value = 0.003) in a small cohort (n = 181) comprised of healthy individuals who had been phenotyped for various aspects of memory function. In this study, we have extended the cohort to 597 individuals and examined multiple genetic variants across both the BDNF and BDNF-AS genes for association with visual memory performance as assessed by the Wechsler Memory Scale-Fourth Edition subtests Visual Reproduction I and II (VR I and II). VR I assesses immediate visual memory, whereas VR II assesses long-term visual memory. Genetic association analyses were performed for 34 single nucleotide polymorphisms genotyped on Illumina OmniExpress BeadChip arrays with the immediate and long-term visual memory phenotypes. While none of the BDNF and BDNF-AS variants were shown to be significant for immediate visual memory, we found 10 variants (including the Val66Met polymorphism (p-value = 0.006)) that were nominally associated, and three variants (two variants in BDNF and one variant in the BDNF-AS locus) that were significantly associated with long-term visual memory. Our data therefore suggests a potential role for BDNF, and its anti-sense transcript BDNF-AS, in long-term visual memory performance.

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Prospective memory (PM) is generally defined as remembering to perform intended actions in the future and is important for functioning in daily life. Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) responsive element binding protein 1 (CREB1) plays an important role in cognitive functions. In this study, we hypothesized that genetic variation in the CREB1 gene is associated with PM. We genotyped a CREB1 promoter polymorphism rs2253206 and tested it for association with PM in 619 healthy subjects. PM performance was measured using the Prospective and Retrospective Memory Questionnaire (PRMQ), the Comprehensive Assessment of Prospective Memory (CAPM), and the Memory for Intentions Screening Test (MIST). Generalized linear model analysis was conducted for each PM test independently using different inheritance models to identify any associations (p < 0.05). After multiple testing adjustments, a significant association was found between the rs2253206 genotype and PM performance for CAPM instrumental activities of daily living measure (p = 0.016). These results suggest that the rs2253206 polymorphism in the CREB1 gene locus is associated with PM in healthy individuals and contributes to knowledge on the genetics of this particular type of memory.

Objectives Group psychotherapy holds considerable potential for cost‐effective treatment delivery. However, issues with client attendance can compromise the efficacy of such treatments. To date, client specific factors are amongst the most researched predictors of attendance in psychotherapy, with much less of a focus given to process factors, particularly in the group therapy context. This study aimed to determine which process factors influenced attendance in the context of a group therapy programme for adults with anxiety. It was hypothesized that (1) the working alliance and group cohesion would be moderately correlated, (2) both the working alliance and group cohesion would explain unique variance in session attendance, and (3) the working alliance would act as a moderator for attendance, when group cohesion was low. Design The study utilized a within participants design. Methods Participants were 91 adults (aged 18–74 years) who took part in a 9‐week, transdiagnostic cognitive behavioural group therapy programme for the treatment of anxiety disorders. Results Working alliance and group cohesion were significantly, but only moderately correlated (rs ranging .41 to .55). Together, working alliance and group cohesion significantly predicted total session attendance (17.70% variance explained). Working alliance did not moderate the relationship between group cohesion and session attendance. Conclusions The importance of individual and group processes in influencing group therapy engagement is highlighted, including the role of fostering bonds within the group and between clients and therapists. Practitioner points A complex array of process factors has been argued to influence treatment outcomes in group therapy The quality of the relationship between group therapy clients, as well as the relationship between a client and the therapist, predict session attendance. The quality of the relationship between the client and the therapist may be the most important predictor of session attendance. Therapists should foster positive relationships between each client and the therapist in group therapy, as well as assisting each client to foster positive relationships with other group members.