Researchers have found that the risk of a dementia diagnosis can jump by as much as 81%.
Chris Kissell • July 7, 2022 • Advertising Disclosure
Seniors with hypothyroidism may have a higher risk of developing dementia, according to findings published in Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.
After examining the health records of 7,843 people newly diagnosed with dementia in Taiwan, researchers found that 68 (0.9%) of them had hypothyroidism.
The researchers also looked at the same number of people who did not have dementia and found that just 34 (0.4%) had hypothyroidism.
In both groups, the average age was about 75.
Once the researchers adjusted for several factors that could affect dementia risk — including sex, age, high blood pressure and diabetes — they found that people age 65 and older who had been diagnosed with hypothyroidism were 81% more likely to develop dementia than people the same age who did not have the thyroid condition.
Among those age 65 and older who required medication for their thyroid condition, the likelihood of developing dementia was three times higher than among those who didn’t need medication.
On the other hand, people younger than age 65 with a history of hypothyroidism did not have an increased risk of dementia.
Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland — a butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the neck — fails to produce adequate levels of thyroid hormones, which can slow the body’s metabolism. It often leads to weight gain and symptoms such as tiredness and sensitivity to cold.
Nearly 5% of Americans age 12 and older have the condition, which is more common among people over age 60 and especially among women, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
In a press release, Dr. Chien-Hsiang Weng of Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island — the study’s lead author — says:
“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.”
No link was found between dementia and hyperthyroidism — a condition in which the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone.
Weng also noted that the study was observational, so it simply shows there is an association between hypothyroidism and dementia, rather than showing that hypothyroidism causes the cognitive disorder.
For more news about dementia, check out:
Disclosure: The information you read here is always objective. However, we sometimes receive compensation when you click links within our stories.
Like Article Add a Comment
Simple ways to make, save, and grow your money daily:
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Every week our podcasts bring you lively money discussions that will give you a few laughs along with advice that will make you richer.
Some of our favorite stories for you to read next.
Join our many free newsletter subscribers building wealth and destroying debt:
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Do Not Sell My Personal Information
© 2022 Money Talks News. All Rights Reserved. 1 (833) 669-8557 | 1732 1st Ave #26661, New York, NY 10128
Advertising Disclosure: This site may be compensated in exchange for featured placement of certain sponsored products and services, or your clicking on links posted on this website.
Help us produce more money-saving articles and videos by subscribing to a membership.
Help us produce more money-saving articles and videos by subscribing to a membership.
Our Policy: We welcome relevant and respectful comments in order to foster healthy and informative discussions. All other comments may be removed. Comments with links are automatically held for moderation.
Please enable JavaScript to view comments.
Join our happy subscribers and sign up for our free newsletter! You'll get:
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.