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Neuropsychological findings in hyperthyroid patients
Fenny L Yudiarto1, L Muliadi, D Moeljanto
1Departement of Neurology, Mardi Rahayu Hospital, Kudus-Central Java.
Acta Medica Indonesiana
|February 16, 2006
Summary
Hyperthyroidism significantly impairs attention, concentration, verbal memory, and executive function. These cognitive deficits were observed when comparing hyperthyroid patients to those with normal thyroid function, highlighting the impact of thyroid hormones on brain function.
Area of Science:
- Neuroendocrinology
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Thyroid hormones play a crucial role in brain development and function.
- Hyperthyroidism, a condition of excess thyroid hormone, is associated with various systemic symptoms, including neurological and psychological changes.
- Cognitive function, encompassing attention, memory, and executive functions, may be affected by altered thyroid states.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and compare cognitive functions, including attention, concentration, memory, and executive function, in patients with hyperthyroidism versus those with normal thyroid function.
- To identify specific cognitive domains affected by hyperthyroidism.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 21 patients (14 female, 7 male) with hyperthyroid symptoms.
- Thyroid function tests (FT4, TSHS) were performed, categorizing patients into hyperthyroid, subclinical hyperthyroid, and euthyroid groups.
- A battery of neuropsychological tests, including MMSE, TMT A/B, CPT, VCT, DFR, and DBR, were administered to assess cognitive performance.
Main Results:
- Kendall correlation revealed negative correlations between FT4 levels and Vigilance Complex Task (VCT), Continuous Performance Test (CPT), Digit Forward Repetition (DFR), and Digit Backward Repetition (DBR).
- Positive correlations were found between FT4 and Trail Making Test A (TMT A) and TMT B (time and error).
- T-tests indicated significant differences in TMT A, TMT B, DBR, DFR, VCT, and CPT between high and normal thyroid function groups. Fischer exact test showed statistical significance in VCT and fine tremor in hyperthyroid patients.
Conclusions:
- Hyperthyroid patients exhibit significant deficits in attention, concentration, verbal memory, and executive function (working memory) compared to euthyroid individuals.
- These findings underscore the detrimental impact of hyperthyroidism on cognitive processes.
- Further research may explore the reversibility of these cognitive changes with thyroid function normalization.