Researchers from Ireland and Sweden have discovered that women who developed preeclampsia during pregnancy appear to have a significantly increased future risk of vascular dementia.
If dementia develops in later life, it may have already been favored in younger years, for example during pregnancy. It has been known for some time that women who have had pregnancy poisoning (preeclampsia) are at increased risk later in life for high blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases, stroke, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease.
Pregnancy poisoning can trigger specific vascular dysfunctions with a long-term cardiometabolic risk that persists into later life. Consequently, affected women are at an increased long-term risk of dementia.
In addition to preeclampsia, there are other so-called hypertensive disorders of pregnancy that could potentially increase the risk of dementia. These include chronic high blood pressure, gestational hypertension, or eclampsia, a condition where several different symptoms, such as seizures and kidney damage, suddenly occur during pregnancy as a result of preeclampsia.
Analysis of Scientific Literature
Researchers from Ireland and Sweden have investigated the connection between these so-called hypertensive pregnancy disorders and subsequent dementia or cognitive impairment in the mother. The aim was to review and summarize the relevant scientific literature. Their findings were published online in January 2024.
The researchers draw the conclusion: „Women whose pregnancies were complicated by preeclampsia appear to be at significantly increased future risk of vascular dementia.“ This risk was increased by 89 percent compared to women who had normal blood pressure during pregnancy.
Data from women aged 65 and over were also analyzed
The scientists are less clear about the long-term risks of these women regarding Alzheimer's dementia and other forms of dementia. However, in an analysis where the researchers evaluated data from women aged 65 and older, preeclampsia was associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer's dementia and dementia.
The analyses also suggest poorer cognitive performance in women who have a history of preeclampsia. The researchers conclude: „Although the identified links to cognitive impairment should be interpreted with caution, they shed some light on this important, under-researched field.“ There are indications of a possible connection between preeclampsia and poorer memory, reduced attention, and problems with executive functions.
Tip for practiceWomen with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy should also be closely monitored after pregnancy. In addition to monitoring the heart and kidneys, cognitive health should also be kept in mind.
Here is the link to the study:
