Johns Hopkins Medicine has recently conducted a study that highlights a critical health concern: the association between thyrotoxicosis and an increased risk of cognitive disorders in older adults.
Thyrotoxicosis, a condition marked by an excess of thyroid hormone in the body, can arise from two main sources: exogenous thyrotoxicosis, which occurs due to the ingestion of thyroid medication, and endogenous thyrotoxicosis, which is a result of thyroid disorders such as hyperthyroidism and Graves’ disease.
The thyroid hormone is essential for regulating various bodily functions, including our metabolism.
However, when its levels become excessively high, it can lead to several health issues, including potential cognitive problems.
While previous research has hinted at the connection between thyrotoxicosis and cognitive disorders, conclusive evidence remained elusive, particularly because studies often overlooked exogenous thyrotoxicosis.
To fill these knowledge gaps, researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine undertook a comprehensive study, analyzing electronic health records from 65,931 individuals aged 65 and older.
These participants, all of whom were receiving primary care within the Johns Hopkins Health System between 2014 and 2023, had an average age of 71 at their first recorded primary care visit and had at least two visits spaced by 30 days or more.
The study’s findings were revealing: there was a 39% increased risk of being diagnosed with a cognitive disorder associated with thyrotoxicosis, covering both endogenous and exogenous forms, across different age groups.
By age 75, 11% of patients with thyrotoxicosis had been diagnosed with a cognitive disorder, compared to just 6.4% of those without the condition. This gap widened by age 85, with 34% of thyrotoxicosis patients diagnosed with a cognitive disorder, in contrast to 26% without it.
Moreover, the study unveiled a direct correlation between the level of thyroid hormone exposure and the risk of cognitive disorder.
Patients with more severe excesses of thyroid hormone faced a 65% higher risk of developing cognitive disorders, while those with moderate excesses had a 23% higher risk.
These findings underscore the need for careful management of thyroid hormone therapy, especially among older adults, to avoid overtreatment and consequent cognitive impairment.
Healthcare professionals are advised to adhere to age-appropriate treatment guidelines to minimize these risks and safeguard the cognitive health of their patients.
This study not only emphasizes the importance of monitoring thyroid hormone levels in the management of older adults’ health but also calls for further research to delve deeper into the relationship between thyrotoxicosis and cognitive function.
By advancing our understanding of this link, the medical community can develop more refined and effective treatment strategies, ultimately improving the quality of life for older individuals dealing with thyroid-related conditions.
If you care about brain health, please read studies about how the Mediterranean diet could protect your brain health, and blueberry supplements may prevent cognitive decline.
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