The link between preeclampsia and cognitive decline in midlife women
Official title: Preeclampsia and the Brain: Small vessel disease and cognitive function in early midlife
Funded at Magee-Women's Res Inst and Foundation · NIH-10984463 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Magee-Women's Res Inst and Foundation NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | February 1, 2022 |
| Project end | November 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $896,481 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG072646-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10984463 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women who have had preeclampsia and are currently in early midlife.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced preeclampsia or are not women may not receive benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Magee-Women's Res Inst and Foundation
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Catov, Janet M — Magee-Women's Res Inst and Foundation
- Study coordinator: Catov, Janet M
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.