Grant: CIHR Fellowship

This study delves into the relationship between high blood pressure in pregnancy (HDP), gender-specific factors, and their impact on women's long-term cognitive health. HDP, including conditions like chronic hypertension and preeclampsia, affects around 10% of pregnancies and has been linked to cognitive decline, particularly in women. The study aims to answer two critical questions: 1) Do gender-related factors (e.g., lower education, occupational attainment, and socioeconomic status) influence how HDP affects cognitive decline and brain changes later in life, and 2) Can HDP mediate the connection between gender-related factors and cognitive decline? To answer these questions, the researchers use data from the UK Biobank, a vast dataset collected between 2006 and 2010, including participants aged 40 to 69, with two Magnetic resonance imaging follow-ups in 2014 and 2019. They focus on women who experienced HDP during pregnancy, comparing them to women with normal blood pressure. Key variables include HDP diagnoses, cognitive assessments, and data on brain structure (white and grey matter volume and white matter hyperintensities). The study will use advanced statistical methods to explore how HDP and gender-related factors interact to influence cognitive health and brain structure. The results could provide vital insights for tailoring healthcare strategies and interventions to improve the long-term cognitive well-being of women who've experienced HDP during pregnancy. Ultimately, this research could lead to better outcomes for women who have faced HDP during pregnancy, helping them preserve their cognitive health as they age.