EEG-ERP Correlates of Cognitive Dysfunction in Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) has been shown to affect the psychological and cognitive status of a woman. However, amidst various conflicting reports in this regard, very few studies attempted to assess these aspects objectively using electroencephalography (EEG) and event-related potential (ERP).

To assess changes in neurocognitive and psychological parameters of PCOS women without any other comorbidities.

PCOS women aged 18 years to 35 years, diagnosed from obstetrics and gynecology OPD who are otherwise free of any other comorbidities, were assessed for psychological status (anxiety and depression using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and Beck Depression Inventory, respectively). Thereafter, a cognitive assessment was done subjectively by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) questionnaire and objectively by using EEG [absolute and relative power of alpha, beta, and theta waves along with theta/beta ratios (TBR) and theta/alpha ratio (TAR)] and P300 amplitude and latency of ERP during a visual oddball paradigm task in control (n = 30) and PCOS (n = 37) subjects.

PCOS women showed significantly higher anxiety and depression scores along with low MoCA scores. Significantly reduced absolute alpha, increased frontal beta, and markedly increased theta (relative) power with increased TAR in the PCOS group were seen. Also, a significant reduction in P300 amplitude with prolonged latency during the visual oddball paradigm task was evident in them.

Reduced alpha and higher theta activity with increased TAR are indicative of poor neural processing ability. Reduced P300 amplitude with more latency also suggests a cognitive decline, which is corroborated by reduced MoCA scores. Our study objectively indicates the presence of subclinical cognitive impairment in PCOS patients even without any comorbidities.