A study published today in the journal Neurology suggests that older persons with hypothyroidism, often known as underactive thyroid, may have an increased risk of developing dementia.

Those with thyroid conditions necessitated thyroid hormone replacement were at a considerably greater risk for having dementia.

Hypothyroidism is caused by an insufficient production of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland. It might slow metabolism. Tiredness, weight gain, and sensitivity to cold are symptoms.

According to research author Chien-Hsiang Weng, “in some cases, thyroid disorders have been associated with dementia symptoms that can be reversible with treatment. While more studies are needed to confirm these findings, people should be aware of thyroid problems as a possible risk factor for dementia and therapies that could prevent or slow irreversible cognitive decline.”

For the study, researchers compared the health records of 7,843 newly diagnosed dementia patients in Taiwan with those of the same number of healthy individuals. They had an average age of 75.

Researchers looked at who had had hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism in the past. Hyperthyroidism, also called “overactive thyroid,” is a condition in which the thyroid makes too much hormone. This might speed up metabolism.

Symptoms include unexplained weight loss, an irregular or quick heartbeat, and nervousness or anxiety.

There were 102 cases of hypothyroidism and 133 cases of hyperthyroidism.

Researchers discovered no association between hyperthyroidism and dementia.

68 dementia patients, or 0.9%, had hypothyroidism, compared to 34 dementia-free individuals, or 0.4%.

Researchers showed that adults over the age of 65 with hypothyroidism were 80% more likely to develop dementia than those of the same age who did not have thyroid issues after adjusting for other factors that could impact the risk of dementia, such as sex, age, high blood pressure, and diabetes.

People under the age of 65 who had a history of hypothyroidism did not have a higher chance of getting dementia.

Researchers discovered that those who solely took medicine for hypothyroidism had a threefold increased risk of dementia compared to those who did not.

Weng suggested that one explanation for this would be that these persons are more prone to have more severe hypothyroidism symptoms for which treatment was required.

Weng emphasized that the observational study merely demonstrates a connection and does not establish hypothyroidism as a direct cause of dementia.

The study lacked information on participants’ hypothyroidism severity.

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