A study published in the BMJ in 2018 analysed data on more than 1.1 million Danish women. Women who had pre-eclampsia during pregnancy had about 3.5 times the risk of vascular dementia later in life compared with women without pre-eclampsia. The risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia was also slightly higher.
Why it matters
This is an observational study, so it shows an association, not a cause. But pre-eclampsia may be a sign that it is worth looking after heart and blood vessel health earlier and more carefully, because it matters for the brain too.
What this means for you
- If you had pre-eclampsia during pregnancy, always tell your doctor.
- Keep checking your blood pressure regularly after pregnancy.
- Exercise, a healthy diet and not smoking protect your blood vessels and your brain.
Sources
- Basit S., Wohlfahrt J., Boyd H. A. (2018). Pre-eclampsia and risk of dementia later in life: nationwide cohort study. BMJ, 363, k4109. doi:10.1136/bmj.k4109