Thyroid Problems Linked to Increased Risk of Dementia

Older people with hypothyroidism, also called underactive thyroid, may be at increased risk of developing dementia, according to a new study. 

Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland doesn’t make enough thyroid hormones. 

“In some cases, thyroid disorders have been associated with dementia symptoms that can be reversible with treatment,” said study author Chien-Hsiang Weng, MD, MPH. 

For the study, researchers looked at the health records of 7,843 people newly diagnosed with dementia and compared them to the same number of people who did not have dementia. Researchers looked to see who had a history of either hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism is when the thyroid produces too much hormone. This can increase metabolism. Symptoms include unintended weight loss, rapid or irregular heartbeat and nervousness or anxiety.

A total of 102 people had hypothyroidism and 133 had hyperthyroidism.

The researchers found no link between hyperthyroidism and dementia.

Of the people with dementia, 68 people, or 0.9%, had hypothyroidism, compared to 34 of the people without dementia, or 0.4%. When researchers adjusted for other factors that could affect the risk of dementia, they found that people over age 65 with hypothyroidism were 80% more likely to develop dementia than people the same age who did not have thyroid problems. 

When researchers looked only at people who took medication for hypothyroidism, they found they were three times more likely to develop dementia than those who did not take medication.

Weng noted that the observational study does not prove that hypothyroidism is a cause of dementia; it only shows an association.

Sources:

American Academy of Neurology. “Thyroid problems linked to increased risk of dementia.” ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 6 July 2022. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/07/220706165418.htm>.

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