Exploring how pregnancy complications may lead to Alzheimer's disease.

Investigating Pathways from Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes to Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias: the nuMoM2b-Brain Study

NIH-funded research University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11329452

This study is looking at how problems during pregnancy, like having a preterm baby or high blood pressure, might affect a mother's chances of developing Alzheimer's or other memory issues later on, and it’s for moms who have experienced these challenges.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Pittsburgh, United States)
Project IDNIH-11329452 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the connection between adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as preterm birth and hypertensive disorders, and the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and related dementias later in life. By utilizing a diverse cohort of mothers who experienced these complications, the study aims to understand the biological mechanisms that may link pregnancy issues to cognitive decline. Participants will be followed over several years to gather detailed health data and neurocognitive assessments, providing insights into how these early life events may influence long-term brain health.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are women who had adverse pregnancy outcomes and are currently in the follow-up phase of the nuMoM2b study.

Not a fit: Patients who did not experience any pregnancy complications or who are not part of the nuMoM2b cohort may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing Alzheimer's disease in women who have experienced adverse pregnancy outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific pathways being investigated are novel, previous research has shown that pregnancy complications can impact long-term health, suggesting potential for meaningful findings.

Where this research is happening

Pittsburgh, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.