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Thyroid function and neuropsychological status in older adults
Srishti Shrestha1, Michael S Bloom2, Recai Yucel1
1Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University at Albany, State University of New York, One University Place, Rensselaer, NY 12144, United States.
Physiology & Behavior
|May 26, 2016
Summary
Thyroid hormones impact brain function in older adults. Higher thyroxine (T4) and free thyroxine (fT4) improved visuospatial skills, but combined with aging, fT4 impaired memory and learning.
Area of Science:
- Neuroendocrinology
- Geriatric Medicine
- Cognitive Neuroscience
Background:
- Thyroid dysfunction is a known risk factor for cognitive decline in aging populations.
- Limited evidence exists on how specific thyroid hormone levels affect distinct neuropsychological domains.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cross-sectional associations between serum thyroid hormone concentrations and neuropsychological function in adults aged 55-74.
- To identify specific cognitive domains influenced by thyroid hormone levels in this age group.
Main Methods:
- Administered a battery of neuropsychological tests assessing memory, learning, executive function, attention, visuospatial function, mood, and motor function.
- Utilized multivariable linear regression analyses, adjusting for age, sex, education, and smoking status.
- Reported effects as score differences per interquartile range increase in hormone concentration.
Main Results:
- Higher total thyroxine (T4) and free thyroxine (fT4) were linked to enhanced visuospatial function (15% and 19% improvement, respectively).
- Significant interactions between age and fT4 were observed for memory and learning.
- Increased age and fT4 concurrently correlated with deficits in memory and learning (10-16% decline).
Conclusions:
- Serum thyroid hormone levels, specifically T4 and fT4, are associated with specific aspects of neuropsychological function in older adults.
- The interplay between age and fT4 may negatively impact memory and learning.
- Further research is needed to confirm these findings and explore therapeutic implications.
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