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Thyroid antibodies, autoimmunity and cognitive decline: is there a population-based link?
Kate Napthali1, Michael Boyle1, Huy Tran2
1Division of Medicine, John Hunter Hospital, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, N.S.W., Australia.
Dementia and Geriatric Cognitive Disorders Extra
|July 3, 2014
Summary
Autoantibodies like anti-thyroid peroxidase and anti-nuclear antibodies are common in older adults but do not appear to cause cognitive decline. This study found no association between these autoantibodies and cognitive function in aging individuals.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Neurology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Autoimmunity is an under-recognized factor contributing to cognitive decline.
- Prevalence and impact of autoantibodies on cognition in aging populations require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between common autoantibodies and cognitive function in an aging cohort.
- To determine if autoantibody presence correlates with cognitive decline in individuals aged 55-85.
Main Methods:
- Serum samples from 3,253 participants (aged 55-85) in the Hunter Community Study were analyzed.
- Assays included thyrotropin stimulatory hormone, anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPO-Ab), anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA), and extractable nuclear antigens (ENA).
- Cognitive function was assessed using the Audio Recorded Cognitive Screen (ARCS).
Main Results:
- TPO-Ab detected in 8.4%, ANA in 27.9%, and ENA in 3% of the population.
- No significant relationship was observed between ARCS scores and TPO-Ab, ANA (low or high titre), or ENA antibodies.
- Statistical analysis showed no correlation between autoantibody presence and cognitive performance.
Conclusions:
- Autoantibody findings are prevalent in the aging population.
- The presence of TPO-Ab, ANA, and ENA is not associated with cognitive decline in this cohort.
- Autoimmunity is unlikely to be a significant driver of cognitive decline in the general aging population.
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