The link between preeclampsia and cognitive decline in midlife women

Preeclampsia and the Brain: Small vessel disease and cognitive function in early midlife

NIH-funded research Magee-Women's Res Inst and Foundation · NIH-10984463

This study is looking at how having preeclampsia during pregnancy might affect brain health and memory in women as they get older, to help find early signs of dementia risk.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMagee-Women's Res Inst and Foundation NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Pittsburgh, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-10984463 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how preeclampsia, a pregnancy-related condition, may contribute to cognitive decline and dementia in women as they age. It focuses on the effects of cerebral small vessel disease (cSVD) that can arise from preeclampsia, particularly looking at how this condition affects brain health and cognitive function during early midlife. By studying the vascular changes in the brain and their relationship to cognitive impairment, the research aims to identify potential early indicators of dementia risk in women who experienced preeclampsia. The approach includes assessing cerebrovascular reactivity and cognitive performance in participants to understand the long-term implications of preeclampsia on brain health.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are women who have had preeclampsia and are currently in early midlife.

Not a fit: Patients who have not experienced preeclampsia or are not women may not receive benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and early interventions for cognitive decline in women who have experienced preeclampsia.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has indicated that conditions like preeclampsia can have long-term effects on vascular health, suggesting that this investigation could yield valuable insights.

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.