Evaluation of Spatial Memory in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome is a common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age. This syndrome may affect cognitive function and impair spatial memory. Therefore, this study was performed with aim to evaluate spatial memory in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

This correlation descriptive study was performed in 2013 on 50 women with polycystic syndrome and 50 women without polycystic syndrome who were selected among those referring to specialized obstetrics and gynecology clinics. PCO criterion was used to diagnose polycystic ovary syndrome and Computer Spatial Working Memory Test was used to assess spatial memory. Then the score of spatial memory of the two groups were analyzed by SPSS software (version 21) and independent t-test, Chi-square and Pearson correlation test. p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Mean scores of spatial memory test in case and control groups were 0.52±0.88± 0.39±06 and, respectively. The difference in cognitive performance between the case and control groups was statistically significant (P <0.0001) and women with this syndrome had better performance than the control group. Also, spatial memory scores were significantly correlated with age (p = 0.002), but not significantly correlated with education level (p = 0.99) and body mass index (p = 0.38).

Patients with polycystic ovary syndrome had better spatial memory, but since this capability originates from a pathological process, it does not imply an overall improvement in cognitive function, so, comprehensive follow up of these patients and possible complications of the disease may be necessary.