Polycystic ovary syndrome linked to memory, thinking issues: Study

People with polycystic ovary syndrome may be more likely to experience memory and cognitive problems in middle age, according to research published in the online edition of Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology. The study does not prove that polycystic ovarian syndrome and cognitive decline are related. It only shows a correlation. An irregular menstrual cycle and high levels of the hormone androgen are two characteristics of the hormonal disorder polycystic ovary syndrome. Infertility, excessive hair growth, acne, and poor metabolic health are possible additional symptoms.

“Polycystic ovary syndrome is a common reproductive disorder that impacts up to 10% of women,” said study author Heather G. Huddleston, MD, of the University of California, San Francisco. “While it has been linked to metabolic diseases like obesity and diabetes that can lead to heart problems, less is known about how this condition affects brain health. Our results suggest that people with this condition have lower memory and thinking skills and subtle brain changes at midlife. This could impact a person on many levels, including quality of life, career success and financial security.”

There were 907 female participants in the study who ranged in age from 18 to 30 at the beginning of the investigation. They underwent assessments measuring their attention, processing speed, memory, and verbal skills during the course of a 30-year follow-up. Sixty-six individuals had polycystic ovarian syndrome at the time of testing. In an attention test, participants were asked to identify the color of the ink on a list of words instead of reading the words themselves. For instance, if the word “blue” was shown in red, then red would be the appropriate response.

Researchers found for this test, people with polycystic ovary syndrome had an average score that was approximately 11% lower compared to people without the condition.
After adjusting for age, race and education, researchers found that people with polycystic ovary syndrome had lower scores on three of the five tests that were given, specifically in areas of memory, attention and verbal abilities, when compared to those without this condition.