Women with polycystic ovary syndrome may face a higher risk of memory and thinking problems later in life, possibly through insulin resistance and obesity, according to a new review in the Journal of the Endocrine Society. The review, published Oct. 13, pulls together existing research rather than reporting new patient data. Its authors concluded that direct evidence linking the condition to dementia remains limited and inconsistent.
The question matters for millions of families. The condition affects roughly 6% to 11% of reproductive-aged women, the authors note, and it is often tied to insulin resistance, weight gain, and type 2 diabetes. For women already managing those issues, the review adds another reason to treat metabolic health as a long-term priority, not just a fertility concern.
