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CME Credit Offered
CME Credit Offered
Abstract Award
Abstract Award
Recording available 2/16-5/2
Recording available 2/16-5/2
AIUM Credit
AIUM Credit
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Foundation Awardee
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Abstract Award
Abstract Award
Foundation Awardee
Foundation Awardee

Poster Session 1

Category: Hypertension

Poster Session 1

(376) Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and long-term cognitive change

Wednesday, February 11, 2026
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM  
Objective:

A relationship between HDP and subsequent cognitive impairment has been shown in small studies but not confirmed in large cohort studies.  The purpose of this study was to utilize the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) to investigate the correlation between HDP and long-term cognitive change.

Study Design:

This is a secondary analysis of the WHI and three cognitive ancillary studies (WHI Memory Study, WHI Epidemiology of Cognitive Health Outcomes, WHI SleeP Hypoxia Effects on Resilience Study).  Participants with self-reported HDP and any live birth were included. Outcomes studied were (1) self-reported cognitive change (Cognitive Change Index 12-item short form; CCI) (2) Telephone Interview of Cognitive Status modified (TICSm), a validated measure of global cognitive function, and (3) a composite of clinician adjudicated probable dementia or mild cognitive impairment (PD/MCI).  For CCI and TICSm indices, linear regression was utilized to examine differences by reported history of HDP. For PD/MCI, the time to onset was analyzed using Cox proportional hazards models. Both linear and Cox models were adjusted for demographics, lifestyle characteristics and medical conditions. 

Results:

A total of 37,238 participants were included in the CCI analysis, 4202 in the TICSm analyses and 1089 in the PD/MCI analyses (Figure).  CCI scores were worse among those with self-reported HDP history (Adjusted Risk Difference 0.43 (95% CI 0.10, 0.76, p = 0.01, Table).  There was no difference in TICSm scores by HDP (Adjusted Risk Difference 0.01, 95% CI -0.46, 0.48, p = 0.97) or onset of PD/MCI (Adjusted Hazard Ratio 0.80, 95% CI 0.58, 1.09), p = 0.15).   

Conclusion:

There was an association between HDP and worsened perceived long-term cognitive change. However, there was no difference in objective cognitive function as measured by a validated scale and clinician adjudicated PD/MCI.  Further investigation is needed in understanding who may be at risk for cognitive change after a pregnancy with HDP.