PMOS May Be Linked to Changes in Brain Function and Cognitive Health, Researchers Find

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may affect more than reproductive health, with emerging research suggesting possible links to memory problems, changes in brain function, and cognitive decline. However, scientists caution that evidence connecting the condition directly to Alzheimer's disease or dementia remains limited.

A recent review published in the Journal of the Endocrine Society examined whether metabolic and hormonal abnormalities associated with PCOS, also referred to as polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS), could influence long-term brain health.

PCOS is commonly associated with irregular menstrual cycles, hormonal imbalances, and insulin resistance. Researchers are now investigating whether these metabolic disturbances also affect brain function.

The review highlighted a 2015 study involving seven women with PCOS and 11 without the condition. Brain imaging revealed reduced glucose uptake in several regions among women with PCOS, with some changes associated with greater insulin resistance.

Another study published in Neurology in 2024 found that middle-aged women with PCOS generally performed worse on tests assessing verbal memory, executive function and verbal fluency.

Brain imaging in a smaller subgroup also revealed reduced white matter integrity, suggesting possible differences in communication between brain regions.

Researchers identified insulin resistance as a potential mechanism linking PCOS with cognitive changes. Insulin plays an important role in brain energy metabolism, memory and communication between nerve cells.

However, obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular risk and hormonal disturbances may also contribute to these findings.

Importantly, researchers emphasised that existing evidence does not establish that women with PCOS face a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.

Most available studies were relatively small, and findings linking PCOS with dementia remain inconsistent.

The review highlights the need for larger, long-term studies to determine whether metabolic abnormalities associated with PCOS influence cognitive aging and neurological health.

These findings could eventually support more comprehensive healthcare approaches addressing both reproductive and long-term brain health in women with PCOS.

REFERENCE: Mina Amiri, Armita Kakavand Hamidi, Daniel L Farkas, Richard P Buyalos, Ricardo Azziz, Potential links between PCOS/PMOS and Alzheimer disease and related dementias, Journal of the Endocrine Society, November 2026, bvag206, https://doi.org/10.1210/jendso/bvag206