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NDTV
28-05-2025
- Health
- NDTV
PCOS Affects Memory And Attention Span, Finds New Study. How To Deal With It
PCOS or Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is an endocrine disorder that affects one in five women, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). This figure shows just how common this condition is among women. While those with PCOS are familiar with symptoms like irregular periods and weight gain, a new study has found that it may even affect how your brain works. PCOS May Affect Your Brain Function: Study The hormonal imbalance caused by PCOS is often evident in physical symptoms such as irregular periods, weight gain, excessive hair growth, acne, and infertility. However, researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay have found that it may impact your ability to focus and react too. The study, titled The Impact of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome on Attention: An Empirical Investigation, was published in the journal, BioPsychosocial Medicine. What Led by Professor Azizuddin Khan and clinical psychologist and PhD scholar at IIT-B Maitreyi Redkar, the researchers compared two groups of women: 101 women with PCOS and 72 healthy women, who underwent the attention-based cognitive tests. It was found that PCOS can impair cognitive functions such as alertness and attention. The researchers discovered that women with PCOS were 56 percent slower than those without the condition. They were also found to make 7 percent more errors in focused attention tasks. Why PCOS Can Make It Harder To Focus Researchers at IIT Bombay linked mental fatigue associated with PCOS as a key factor affecting concentration. The condition may impact your memory and attention span, with severity depending on various individual factors. Professor Khan noted, "Its symptoms and severity vary depending on the hormonal profile, metabolic health, mental health, and socio-environmental conditions of the individual." NDTV spoke to Dr Tanveer Aujla, Senior Consultant, Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, Motherhood Hospitals, Noida, about why PCOS makes it difficult to focus. "PCOS can affect a woman's attention span, and this can be because of hormonal imbalance. Women tend to have higher androgens and insulin resistance, which can impact brain function, and they will be unable to focus. Some may have difficulty focusing, experience forgetfulness, or even brain fog. PCOS can also lead to anxiety, stress, and low attention span," says Dr Aujla. What Is PCOS Or Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines PCOS as a condition where "cysts (small sacs of fluid) develop on the ovaries". It can cause irregular periods, and may also lead to infertility. According to the CDC, insulin resistance is common in women with PCOS, which can even lead to Type 2 diabetes. The CDC states that some women with PCOS may develop more serious health problems, including heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, and stroke. It is important to manage the condition to avoid the consequences. How To Manage PCOS Symptoms And Improve Attention Span 1. Brain Games: Playing brain games can help you focus on attention and memory and improve response time and accuracy, according to the researchers of the study. 2. Reduce Stress: Stress can worsen PCOS symptoms, and in turn, affect focus. Practising relaxation techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga may help reduce stress and improve memory and attention span. 3. Exercise Regularly: Since PCOS is a lifestyle-related condition, physical activity is key to managing symptoms. As per a study published in the Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, women with PCOS should aim for: 150-300 minutes of moderate-intensity or, 75-150 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity per week. You can also do a combination of different activities after consulting your healthcare provider. 4. Eat A Healthy Diet: Nutrition plays a vital role in managing PCOS. According to John Hopkins Medicine, you should eat more Whole grains Fresh fruits Non-starchy vegetables such as leafy greens, tomatoes, cauliflower, etc. Omega-3 fatty acids, olive oils, fibre, and protein-rich foods. You should also avoid added sugars and refined carbs. 5. Manage Your Weight: While PCOS can make weight management challenging, maintaining a healthy weight through lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise, is essential. A study published in BMC Endocrine Disorders highlights weight management is a good way to manage PCOS. 6. Improve Sleep Hygiene: Establishing a regular sleep schedule that includes going to bed and waking up at the same time may help. A study published in the International Journal of Preventive Medicine found that good sleep is crucial for PCOS management. Symptoms of PCOS - and the best ways to manage them - can vary significantly from one person to another. It is always best to consult your doctor before making any changes to your lifestyle or daily routine.
Yahoo
06-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Freshman lawmakers reflect on eye-opening first terms in Olympia so far
Rep. Natasha Hill, D-Spokane, speaks to Austin Jenkins during a TVW interview. (Photo courtesy of TVW) This article was first published by TVW. Two new eastern Washington lawmakers from opposite sides of the political aisle paused just before the Legislature turned its attention to hammering out a budget to reflect on their first term. They told Inside Olympia host Austin Jenkins that it has been a whirlwind of learning, pressure, and unexpected appreciation for the work under the Capitol dome. Rep. Natasha Hill, D-Spokane, and Rep. Brian Burnett, R-Wenatchee, bring vastly different life experiences to Olympia, but both describe their early days in office with humility and intensity. 'It's not like anything that I've ever experienced before,' Hill said. 'You're really just getting your feet wet, learning from the folks around you, and learning as you go.' Hill, an attorney and longtime advocate for equity in eastern Washington, said entering the Legislature during a time of fiscal crisis added weight to her role. 'It's been a very ominous experience, honestly. We know things are not good,' she said. 'Coming in, it didn't feel good at all. It felt like we're not gonna be able to get anything new done, especially as a new member.' Despite the challenges, Hill said she's encouraged by the opportunity to serve and emphasized the importance of public input. 'I didn't realize how important it was — people to share their stories, to sign in pro and con on bills.' For Burnett, a former Chelan County sheriff with 23 years in law enforcement, the shift from executive leadership to being one of 98 House members was jarring but ultimately rewarding. 'The first three, four weeks was just unbelievably [like] drinking from a firehose,' he said. Burnett, who serves on committees including Community Safety and Appropriations, said he's found purpose and a sense of community despite a steep learning curve. 'Oh my goodness, I absolutely could say that I think I really love it. I can see that I fit in here, and I think I have something to provide, both legislatively, across both aisles.' Burnett remains humble about what lies ahead. 'I feel like I'm barely scratching the surface of what I have to learn,' he said. 'You eat humble pie, and you learn from other people.' Both lawmakers said they hope to continue building relationships and delivering results as their first term unfolds. This article was first published by TVW, Washington's Public Affairs Network, providing unedited coverage of the state legislature and state government, on statewide cable TV and online at It also produces original interview shows, including Inside Olympia and The Impact. A media nonprofit, it exists to give Washingtonians access to their state government, increase civic access and engagement, and foster an informed citizenry.
Yahoo
07-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Binghamton veteran receives new roof from The Impact Project
BINGHAMTON, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) – A Marine Corps veteran who was at risk of losing his home is getting a new roof over his head thanks to a local faith-based organization. The Impact Project organized a project to replace the roof on Ron Torres's home on Clinton Street in Binghamton. The Impact Project provides needed home repairs for people who can't afford them, with a special focus on the elderly, disabled and veterans. This is their eighth project so far this year, and 241st since its creation in 2004. Torres, who lives in the house with his daughter and two grandchildren, says the roof started leaking about two years ago and had gotten steadily worse. He says The Impact project literally saved his house. 'The property was close to being condemned because we were having issues with the roof caving in probably and we had water coming into the house. Quite a bit of it. The place was deteriorating fast. This came out of the blue and came just in time,' said Torres. The Impact Project surprised Torres with a visit from a fellow Marine in full dress uniform who saluted him for his service and presented him with a Bible. Broome County Executive Jason Garnar also stopped by to express his support. Impact Project Founder Jim Willard says First Choice Roofing is doing the job at a steep discount and many others have offered money or discounted goods so that there's no cost to Torres. 'It shows the true heart of the Southern Tier. The businesses and the people living here, what it means to them, coming together. It's very special,' said Willard. Willard says the other contributors were Botnick Chevrolet, Lowes in Vestal, Bert Adams Disposal and Cornell Cooperative Extension. Binghamton veteran receives new roof from The Impact Project Tri-Cities Opera celebrates 75 years with Broadway tribute Super Cooper continues to save the day at 6th annual Cooperpalooza Lenten tradition returns to Saint Michael's Rec Center New York sues U.S. Education Department over $600m in cuts as feds slash $400m more for Columbia University Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
