Katharina Buczek
Exactly why there is an association between cognitive function and low birth weight remains unknown. However, past research suggests that certain prenatal factors, including maternal stress, diet, and infections, can impact fetal brain development as well as possibly increase dementia risk later in life.
“There is insufficient research to fully understand the mechanisms behind these associations or determine if genetic factors are involved. One possible mechanism we speculate about is the presence of vascular factors in the mother,” concluded Soria-Contreras.
“For example, suboptimal maternal ability to develop new blood vessels might lead to impaired fetal growth and have implications for cognitive function in the long term. This is just one potential mechanism. We will continue working to better understand these associations.”
To read the study’s complete findings, which have since been published in Neurology, visit the link here.
