A study by the American Academy of Neurology found that high blood pressure disorders during pregnancy increase the risk of cognitive problems later in life
- High blood pressure during pregnancy is a risk factor for cognitive decline later in life, according to a study by the American Academy of Neurology
- Preeclampsia, a high blood pressure disorder that affects the kidneys and other organs during pregnancy, may increase the risk of cognitive decline even more than gestational high blood pressure
- Managing and monitoring blood pressure during and after pregnancy is essential for brain health later in life
Preeclampsia May Pose Greater Risk for Cognitive Problems than Other Pregnancy-Related High Blood Pressure Disorders
The study, conducted by Wake Forest University School of Medicine in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, involved 2,239 female participants with an average age of 73. Participants took nine memory and thinking tests every 15 months over an average of five years, measuring skills such as global cognition, processing speed, executive function, language, and visual perception. Those with high blood pressure during pregnancy had a greater decline than those without high blood pressure during pregnancy and those who had not given birth on tests of global cognition, attention, executive function, and language.Implications for Managing High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy
The study suggests that managing and monitoring blood pressure during and after pregnancy is essential for brain health later in life. However, it's important to note that most of the participants were white, so results may not be generalizable to more diverse populations that have higher rates of high blood pressure in pregnancy. The American Academy of Neurology, the world's largest association of neurologists and neuroscience professionals, funded the study. They are dedicated to promoting the highest quality patient-centered neurologic care and recommend that individuals follow Brain & Life on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to learn more about brain health.Source-Medindia