Women's Health
Polycystic ovary syndrome linked with cognitive decline at midlife
Research we're watching
- Reviewed by Toni Golen, MD, Editor in Chief, Harvard Women's Health Watch; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing; Contributor
Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) — a constellation of symptoms stemming from a hormonal imbalance — may face higher risks of cognitive problems at midlife, a new study suggests.
The study, published online by Neurology on Feb. 27, 2024, tracked nearly 1,200 women for 30 years. Participants were between ages 18 and 30 at the study's start. About 7% of them had PCOS, which is characterized by symptoms such as ovarian cysts, missed periods, weight gain, and acne. At the end of the study period, participants completed tests of cognitive abilities such as memory, verbal learning, attention, and processing speed. Nearly 300 of the participants, about 8.5% of whom had PCOS, also underwent brain imaging.
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About the Author
Maureen Salamon, Executive Editor, Harvard Women's Health Watch
About the Reviewer
Toni Golen, MD, Editor in Chief, Harvard Women's Health Watch; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing; Contributor
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