https://doi.org/10.4081/gc.2026.15784
33 | Premature ovarian ageing as a potential risk factor for Parkinson’s disease
V. Giordano1, M. Giudice2, M. Palese2, G. Cuomo3, D. Leosco4, M. Guida2, I. Strina5, F. Saccà6 | 1Department of Internal Medicine, S. Maria incoronata dell'Olmo, AOU S. Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi d'Aragona, Cava de' Tirreni; 2Department of Neurosciences and Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, University "Federico II", Naples, Italy; 3Department of Internal Medicine, Ospedale Del Mare, ASL Napoli 1 Centro, Naples; 4Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples; 5Department of Pubblic Health, University "Federico II", Naples; 6Cava De' Tirreni.
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Published: 11 June 2026
Introduction. Premature ovarian ageing (POA) and Parkinson’s disease (PD) share pathogenic mechanisms (inflammaging, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress). A 2022 Dutch study linked bilateral oophorectomy to higher PD risk [1]. We aimed to detect early extrapyramidal signs in POA women.
Materials and Methods. In this prospective cohort study (Nov 2022-Jan 2025) 30 women with DOR (DOR group) and 30 controls (CNTRL group) were enrolled at AOU “Federico II” Fertility Center. Both groups underwent neurological examination and neurodegenerative screening: REM Behavior Disorder Screening Questionnaire (RBDSQ); Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS) Motor Section; Scales for Outcomes in Parkinson’s Disease – Autonomic Dysfunction (SCOPA-AUT); Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), and Smell Identification Test (UPSIT). The SPSS software system was used for statistical analysis.
Results. Statistical analysis showed MDS-UPDRS and RBDSQ higher mean values in the DOR group compared to the CNTRL group (UPDRS-DOR 4.47±5.99 vs CNTRL 0.87±1.33, p=0.002, Cohen’d = 0.83; RBDSQ-DOR 4.1±1.83 vs CNTRL 2.97±1.96, p<0.05). Based on these findings, a predictive score (PD Score) was established combining RBDSQ and UPDRS values; its distribution showed no overlap in 95% confidence intervals between the two cohorts. Regression analysis using AFC as the predictor and UPDRS as the dependent variable showed a moderate, statistically significant inverse relationship between the two variables (standardized coefficient Beta=-0.402).
Conclusions. DOR women exhibit early extrapyramidal signs (REM behavior disorder, tremor, rigidity) supporting POA as PD risk factor. Future neuroimaging (MRI, DaT-SCAN) will refine PD score.
[1] Rocca et al. Association of Premenopausal Bilateral Oophorectomy With Parkinsonism and Parkinson Disease. JAMA Netw Open. 2022 Oct 3;5(10):e2238663.
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