Pregnancy and Breastfeeding May Boost Cognitive Performance in Women

New study links reproductive history to better long-term brain health

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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A recent study published in Alzheimer's & Dementia suggests that pregnancy and breastfeeding may be associated with improved cognitive performance in women later in life. The research, which analyzed data from over 8,000 postmenopausal women, found that each additional month of pregnancy and breastfeeding was linked to slight increases in global cognition, verbal memory, and visual memory scores. Interestingly, the ratio of breastfeeding to pregnancy duration was an even stronger predictor of cognitive outcomes across all domains.

Why it matters

This study adds to the growing body of evidence that the remarkable plasticity of the female brain during major life events like pregnancy and motherhood may have long-term protective effects on cognitive health. Understanding the biological mechanisms and developing personalized interventions based on reproductive history could help promote brain health in women as they age.

The details

The study leveraged data from the Women's Health Initiative Memory Study (WHIMS) and the Women's Health Initiative Study of Cognitive Aging (WHISCA), following over 8,000 postmenopausal women for up to 10 years. Researchers analyzed the correlation between the women's reproductive histories - total time pregnant, total time breastfeeding, and the ratio of breastfeeding to pregnancy - and their performance on cognitive tests measuring global cognition, verbal memory, and visual memory. The results showed that each additional month of pregnancy was associated with a slight increase in global cognition scores, but breastfeeding had an even stronger association, with each month of breastfeeding linked to improvements in global cognition, visual memory, and verbal memory. Interestingly, the breastfeeding-to-pregnancy ratio (BF:PREG) was a significant predictor of cognitive performance across all domains, with a higher ratio correlating with better cognitive scores.

  • The study followed over 8,000 postmenopausal women for up to 10 years.

The players

Dr. Sarah Miller

A neuroscientist specializing in women's health at the University of California, San Francisco.

Women's Health Initiative Memory Study (WHIMS)

A study that provided data for this research.

Women's Health Initiative Study of Cognitive Aging (WHISCA)

A study that provided data for this research.

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What they’re saying

“We've known for a while that the female brain is remarkably plastic, adapting to major life events like pregnancy. This study adds to the growing body of evidence that these adaptations may have long-term protective effects.”

— Dr. Sarah Miller, Neuroscientist specializing in women's health

What’s next

Researchers are exploring the specific biological pathways linking reproductive history to cognitive health, including the role of hormones, inflammation, and changes in brain structure. Longitudinal studies following women from pre-pregnancy through their later years could provide a clearer understanding of cause and effect. Expanding research to include more diverse populations and developing personalized interventions based on reproductive history are also key areas for future investigation.

The takeaway

This research offers a promising glimpse into the potential for harnessing the natural biological processes of motherhood to promote long-term cognitive health in women. While more research is needed, it underscores the importance of prioritizing women's health throughout their reproductive lives and beyond.