Structural brain changes in hyperthyroid Graves' disease: protocol for an ongoing longitudinal, case-controlled study...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Endocrinology
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Graves' disease (GD) frequently causes cognitive impairment and reduced well-being, persisting even after hyperthyroidism treatment.
• The underlying mechanisms of these brain-related symptoms in GD remain largely unknown.
• Identifying these mechanisms is crucial for recognizing at-risk GD patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elucidate the pathogenic mechanisms contributing to cognitive impairment in Graves' disease.
• To identify potential biomarkers for recognizing GD patients at risk of cognitive dysfunction.
• To understand the long-term effects of GD on brain structure and function.

Main Methods:

• A longitudinal, case-controlled study involving premenopausal women with newly diagnosed GD.
• Comprehensive assessments including laboratory tests, eye evaluations, neuropsychiatric/neuropsychological testing, structural MRI, functional near-infrared spectroscopy, and quality of life questionnaires.
• Primary outcome: change in medial temporal lobe structure volume; Secondary outcomes: neuropsychological, neuropsychiatric, hormonal, and autoantibody variables.

Main Results:

• The study is ongoing and will provide novel insights into the effects of GD on medial temporal lobe structures and cerebral cortex functionality.
• It will investigate associations between these changes and cognitive/affective impairment, hormonal levels, and autoantibody levels.
• Expected to reveal the impact of GD on brain health and cognitive function.

Conclusions:

• The CogThy study aims to deepen the understanding of GD's impact on the brain.
• Findings are expected to inform future therapeutic strategies for cognitive and well-being issues in GD patients.
• This research will contribute to recognizing and managing GD-related neurological complications.