Document Type
Article
Publication Date
7-30-2018
Abstract
Background:
Pregnancy is associated with improvement in immunoregulation that persists into the geriatric phase. Impaired immunoregulation is implicated in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathogenesis. Hence, we investigate the relationship between pregnancy and AD. Methods:
Cross-sectional cohort of British women (N = 95). Cox proportional hazards modeling assessed the putative effects of cumulative months pregnant on AD risk and the mutually adjusted effects of counts of first and third trimesters on AD risk. Results:
Cumulative number of months pregnant, was associated with lower AD risk (β = −1.90, exp(β) = 0.15, P = .02). Cumulative number of first trimesters was associated with lower AD risk after adjusting for third trimesters (β = −3.83, exp(β) = 0.02, P < .01), while the latter predictor had no significant effect after adjusting for the former. Conclusions:
Our observation that first trimesters (but not third trimesters) conferred protection against AD is more consistent with immunologic effects, which are driven by early gestation, than estrogenic exposures, which are greatest in late gestation. Results may justify future studies with immune biomarkers.
Recommended Citation
Fox, M., Berzuini, C., Knapp, L.A., & Glynn, L. M. (2018). Women's pregnancy life history and Alzheimer's risk: Can immunoregulation explain the link?. American Journal of Alzheimer's Disease & Other Dementias, 33(8), 516–526. doi: 10.1177/1533317518786447
Copyright
The authors
Included in
Maternal and Child Health Commons, Mental Disorders Commons, Other Psychiatry and Psychology Commons, Psychological Phenomena and Processes Commons, Women's Health Commons
Comments
This is a pre-copy-editing, author-produced PDF of an article accepted for publication in American Journal of Alzheimer's Disease & Other Dementias, volume 33, issue 8, in 2018 following peer review. The definitive publisher-authenticated version is available online at DOI:10.1177/1533317518786447.