Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), also known as polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS), may affect more than reproductive health. Emerging research suggests that the condition could also be associated with changes in brain function, memory problems and cognitive health.
A recent review published in the Journal of the Endocrine Society explored the potential connection between PMOS and Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Researchers examined whether hormonal and metabolic abnormalities associated with the condition could influence long-term brain health.
Although the findings raise important questions about the neurological effects of PMOS, researchers caution that there is not yet sufficient evidence to establish a direct link between the condition and Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.
What Is PMOS and How Does It Affect Women’s Health?
PMOS, commonly known as PCOS, is a hormonal and metabolic condition affecting women of reproductive age. It is commonly associated with irregular menstrual cycles, hormonal imbalances and insulin resistance.
Women with the condition may also experience symptoms such as acne, excessive hair growth, weight gain and difficulty conceiving.
Beyond reproductive symptoms, PMOS is increasingly being studied for its metabolic consequences. Insulin resistance, obesity and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes are among the factors that may influence long-term health.
Researchers are now investigating whether these metabolic and hormonal changes could also affect the brain and cognitive functioning.
PMOS and Brain Health: What Does the Research Say?
The review highlighted earlier studies suggesting that women with PMOS may experience differences in brain metabolism and cognitive performance.
One study conducted in 2015 involved seven women with PCOS and 11 women without the condition. Brain imaging revealed reduced glucose uptake in several brain regions among women with PCOS. Some of these changes were associated with greater insulin resistance.
Glucose is an important source of energy for the brain. Changes in how the brain uses glucose may therefore provide clues about metabolic processes that influence neurological functioning.
Another study published in the journal Neurology in 2024 found that middle-aged women with PCOS generally performed less well on certain cognitive tests.
These included assessments of:
- Verbal memory
- Executive function
- Verbal fluency
Brain imaging in a smaller subgroup also showed reduced white matter integrity, suggesting possible differences in communication between brain regions.
However, these findings do not establish that PMOS directly causes cognitive impairment.
Insulin Resistance May Explain the Link Between PMOS and Cognitive Changes
Researchers identified insulin resistance as one possible mechanism connecting PMOS with changes in brain function.
Insulin plays an important role in regulating glucose metabolism and supporting several processes involved in brain health, including memory and communication between nerve cells.
When the body becomes resistant to insulin, it cannot use the hormone as effectively. This can affect metabolic health and may also influence the way the brain uses energy.
Women with PMOS may also experience obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular risk factors, which could contribute to changes in cognitive performance.
Researchers believe these overlapping metabolic and hormonal factors need further investigation to understand how PMOS may influence long-term neurological health.
Does PMOS Increase the Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease?
One of the important questions raised by the review is whether women with PMOS may face a greater risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.
However, researchers emphasise that current evidence is limited and inconsistent.
Although some studies have identified differences in brain metabolism, memory and white matter structure, these findings do not prove that women with PMOS are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease.
Most available studies have also involved relatively small groups of participants, making it difficult to establish a clear relationship.
Larger studies involving diverse populations and long-term follow-up are needed to determine whether metabolic abnormalities associated with PMOS contribute to cognitive decline as women age.
Why More Research on PMOS and Brain Function Is Needed
The potential relationship between PMOS and cognitive health highlights the importance of looking beyond reproductive symptoms when managing the condition.
Understanding the effects of insulin resistance, obesity and other metabolic abnormalities could help researchers identify women who may benefit from closer monitoring of their long-term health.
Future research will need to establish whether the observed cognitive changes are directly associated with PMOS or are influenced by other metabolic and cardiovascular conditions.
The findings also highlight the importance of comprehensive healthcare for women with PMOS, including attention to metabolic health and long-term risk factors.
While there is currently no conclusive evidence linking PMOS directly to Alzheimer’s disease, the emerging research provides an important reason to investigate how hormonal and metabolic health may influence the brain over time.
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