Pregnancy, breastfeeding associated with higher levels of cognitive function for postmenopausal women, new research shows

Amazing stuff!

"... Researchers used data from the Women’s Health Initiative Memory Study and the Women’s Health Initiative Study of Cognitive Aging, which annually assessed more than 7,000 women aged about 70 for up to 13 years.

Women are disproportionately affected by Alzheimer’s disease, something that has not been fully explained by the length of life span. Fox’s study aimed to address this question by examining the relationship between reproductive histories and cognitive function in a large group over a long period, something previous studies had not yet accomplished. ..."

"Key Takeaways

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding may improve long-term cognitive function in women. 
• The study found that an increase in cumulative time spent pregnant and time spent breastfeeding correlated with greater cognition, verbal memory and visual memory later in life. 
• The findings may open the door to potential advancements in preventative strategies targeting women at greater risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

..."

From the abstract:

"INTRODUCTION

The brains of female mammals evolved to undergo structural and functional changes during pregnancy and lactation, equipping them for motherhood. However, long-term cognitive health implications of these adaptations in women are poorly understood.

METHODS

In the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) Memory Study (WHIMS; n = 7427) and WHI Study of Cognitive Aging (WHISCA; n = 2304), postmenopausal women completed reproductive history interviews, annual global cognitive assessment from mean age 70 for up to 13 years, and multi-domain cognitive testing for up to 8 years.

RESULTS

Each additional month pregnant was associated with higher scores of global cognition.

Each additional month of breastfeeding corresponded to higher scores of global cognition, verbal memory, and visual memory. We observed equivalent results for binary formulations of gravidity and breastfeeding.

DISCUSSION

Low rates of fertility and breastfeeding may have implications for postmenopausal cognitive health at the population level. Next steps include examining mechanisms linking women's reproductive history with postmenopausal cognitive health.

Highlights

• Motherhood may leave an enduring mark on women's brains, shaping cognitive health.
• Over 7000 women were assessed annually from approximately age 70 for up to 13 years.
• Ever being pregnant and cumulative time pregnant were linked with better cognition.
• Ever having breastfed and more time breastfeeding were linked with better cognition.
• These results imply that declining fertility may affect cognitive aging in future generations.

"

Pregnancy, breastfeeding associated with higher levels of cognitive function for postmenopausal women, new research shows | UCLA

Pregnancy and breastfeeding are associated with less later-life cognitive decline in a longitudinal, prospective cohort

Fig. 3 Results from primary hypotheses.