Does polycystic ovary syndrome affect cognition? A functional magnetic resonance imaging study exploring working
Remi S Soleman1, Baudewijntje P C Kreukels2, Dick J Veltman3
1Department of Medical Psychology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Center of Expertise on Gender Dysphoria, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Neuroscience Campus Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
Fertility and Sterility
|February 16, 2016
Summary
Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) show altered brain activity during working memory tasks. Antiandrogenic treatment improved cognitive function and brain activity in women with PCOS.
Area of Science:
- Neuroendocrinology and cognitive neuroscience.
- Reproductive medicine and endocrinology.
Background:
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with hyperandrogenism.
- Androgen excess may impact cognitive functions, including working memory.
- Understanding these effects is crucial for managing PCOS-related challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of androgen overexposure and antiandrogenic treatment on brain activity during working memory in women with PCOS.
- To compare brain activity and working memory performance in women with PCOS versus healthy controls.
- To assess the impact of antiandrogenic therapy on cognitive function in PCOS.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study involving women with PCOS and healthy controls.
- Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to assess brain activity during a working memory task.
- Evaluation of working memory performance (speed and accuracy) before and after antiandrogenic treatment.
Main Results:
- Women with PCOS exhibited greater activation in the parietal lobe during working memory tasks compared to controls at baseline.
- No significant differences in task performance (speed, accuracy) were observed between groups initially.
- Following antiandrogenic treatment, brain activity differences normalized, and accuracy improved in women with PCOS under high memory load.
Conclusions:
- Women with PCOS may utilize additional neural resources for working memory, indicating potentially less efficient executive functioning.
- This cognitive inefficiency could impact daily life functioning for women with PCOS.
- Antiandrogenic treatment shows promise in ameliorating these cognitive deficits and improving working memory in women with PCOS.
