Pregnancy blood vessel changes may impact memory years later, study finds

A new study suggests that changes in blood vessel development during pregnancy could affect memory years later. Researchers from Barcelona’s Sant Pau Research Institute found a possible link between vascular issues and long-term cognitive effects. The findings were published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. The study involved 266 women who had recently given birth, with 30% having experienced preeclampsia. Scientists focused on angiogenic imbalance—a disruption in blood vessel growth—measured using the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio biomarker. Women with this imbalance were twice as likely to report memory problems compared to those without it (30% versus 16.2%).

The team proposed that angiogenic imbalance may cause lasting microcirculatory changes in the brain. Regions like the hippocampus, which are sensitive to blood flow disruptions, could be particularly affected. Interestingly, the direct link between preeclampsia and memory issues weakened when other clinical factors were considered. Researchers noted that vascular dysfunction, even in women without preeclampsia symptoms, might still contribute to later memory deficits. However, they stressed the need for further studies using objective memory tests and brain imaging to confirm these findings.

The study highlights a potential connection between pregnancy-related vascular changes and future memory difficulties. While the results suggest a higher risk for women with angiogenic imbalance, more research is required to fully understand the long-term effects. The findings could eventually inform better monitoring and support for at-risk mothers.