PMOS, Formerly PCOS, May Be Associated with Alzheimer's Disease Risk
Recent research shows that certain metabolic issues associated with PMOS may affect dementia risk. NickyLloyd · E+/Getty
Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS), formerly known as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), has been linked to changes in brain function and cognition that may overlap with Alzheimer’s disease.
A new review suggests that metabolic conditions associated with PMOS, rather than PMOS itself, may help explain a potential link to Alzheimer’s disease and dementia risk, although more research is needed.
Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and managing metabolic risk factors such as high blood sugar and cholesterol may help support long-term brain health.
Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS), formerly known as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), has been linked to changes in brain function and cognition that may overlap with those seen in Alzheimer’s disease.
However, a review published October 13 in the Journal of the Endocrine Society suggests that metabolic conditions commonly associated with PMOS, rather than PMOS itself, may help explain a potential link to Alzheimer’s disease and dementia risk.
“Researchers are exploring whether some metabolic conditions commonly seen in women with PMOS, such as insulin resistance, obesity, type 2 diabetes, [and] elevated cholesterol, could play a role in dementia, since these are already known risk factors for cognitive decline,” Yesika Garcia, MD, board certified endocrinologist with Medical Offices of Manhattan, who was not involved in the study, told Healthline.
“In other words, any potential connection may be related to these underlying metabolic issues rather than PMOS itself. I think it’s important to clarify that an association does not mean causation,” she added.
PMOS does not independently increase the risk of dementia
The researchers searched PubMed for studies published through 2025 examining brain structure and function, cognitive performance, biomarkers associated with neurodegenerative diseases, and dementia risk in people with PMOS.
Because PMOS is a newer term, the researchers searched for studies using both PMOS and PCOS.
The review identified studies suggesting that people with PMOS may experience mild differences in certain cognitive abilities, including:
Executive function, such as planning and decision making
Working memory, or the ability to temporarily hold and use information
Processing speed
Word recognition
Some brain imaging studies using MRI and PET scans identified differences in brain structure and function among people with PMOS. Researchers also observed hormonal changes associated with differences in gray matter.
Some studies identified elevated biomarkers associated with Alzheimer’s disease in people with PMOS. These findings appeared to overlap with metabolic changes seen in type 2 diabetes, particularly those associated with obesity and insulin resistance.
The researchers also found that neurological differences were less pronounced when people with PMOS were compared with metabolically healthy control groups, suggesting that associated metabolic conditions may play an important role in these findings.
Overall, the review suggests that metabolic conditions associated with PMOS may contribute to changes in brain health, although more research is needed to determine whether PMOS independently affects Alzheimer’s disease or dementia risk.
“I think we need to be careful about drawing conclusions too early. The research raises some good questions, but it doesn’t prove that PCOS [PMOS] causes Alzheimer’s disease,” said Dung Trinh, MD, internist, of MemorialCare Medical Group and Chief Medical Officer of Healthy Brain Clinic in Irvine, CA, who wasn’t involved in the study.
“What it does reinforce is how important metabolic health may be when it comes to protecting our brains as we get older,” he added.
Sherry Ross, MD, board certified OB/GYN and Women’s Health Expert at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, CA, who also wasn’t involved in the study, agreed. She also added that more attention and research need to be given to PMOS, brain changes, and future risks of dementia.
How PMOS and dementia may overlap
There are various ways that PMOS and dementia may share pathways and overlap, according to the researchers. Some of these shared pathways include:
obesity and insulin resistance
dyslipidemia
gut dysbiosis, or an imbalance of microorganisms in your digestive tract
sleep disturbances
sex hormone alterations
Trinh explained that insulin resistance may be one of the most important connections between PMOS and dementia.
Although insulin is commonly associated with diabetes and blood sugar regulation, it also plays an important role in brain function. When insulin signaling doesn’t work properly, it may interfere with how brain cells use energy, potentially contributing to problems with memory and thinking over time.
Chronic inflammation, which can occur in people with PMOS, may also play a role in Alzheimer’s disease, Trinh told Healthline.
“Researchers are looking at how these metabolic changes may affect amyloid and tau, two proteins associated with Alzheimer’s. Some brain imaging studies have even found differences in brain structure and function among women with PCOS [PMOS],” he said.
Ross added that elevated androgen levels, which are common in people with PMOS, may also play a role in dementia risk.
“An important distinction is that these risk factors are not present in every woman with PMOS, and having PMOS does not automatically mean someone will experience cognitive decline,” cautioned Garcia.
How can people lower their risk of cognitive decline?
Garcia noted that many of the dementia risk factors associated with PMOS are modifiable.
“Regular exercise, including both cardiovascular activity and strength training, can improve insulin sensitivity, help with weight management, and support cardiovascular and brain health,” she added.
Trinh emphasized the importance of diet.
“A Mediterranean-style diet, with plenty of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, healthy fats, and lean sources of protein, is a reasonable place to start,” he said.
Managing blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure is also important, Trinh and Garcia noted.
“Medication, like metformin, can also improve insulin resistance, which may further reduce the risk of dementia,” Ross added.
Getting adequate sleep, avoiding smoking, and staying mentally and socially active are additional ways to support long-term brain health, Garcia told Healthline.
“For someone with PCOS [PMOS], I would encourage regular visits with their healthcare provider to monitor metabolic health and address problems early,” said Trinh.
“While we cannot say that these interventions specifically prevent dementia in women with PMOS, we know they benefit overall metabolic and cardiovascular health, which are closely connected to brain health,” explained Garcia.
