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Relationship between the Thyroid Function and Cognitive Impairment in the Elderly in Japan.
Sumiko Furuto-Kato1, Atsushi Araki2, Yuko Chiba2
1Department of Diabetes Mellitus and Endocrinology, Osaka Saiseikai Ibaraki Hospital, Japan.
Internal Medicine (Tokyo, Japan)
|March 22, 2022
Summary
Thyroid hormone levels in Japanese adults aged 60+ show a link to cognitive function. Lower free thyroxine (FT4) levels correlate with higher rates of cognitive impairment in the elderly.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Endocrinology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Standard thyroid hormone reference ranges are based on younger populations and may not apply to the elderly.
- The relationship between thyroid function and cognitive decline in older adults requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess thyroid function in Japanese adults aged 60 and older.
- To investigate the impact of thyroid function on cognitive function in this demographic.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional, multi-institutional study involving 1,016 elderly Japanese adults.
- Serum thyroid hormone levels (including free thyroxine - FT4) and cognitive function were evaluated.
- Patients were categorized into five groups based on FT4 levels, excluding those on thyroid medication.
Main Results:
- Cognitive impairment rates were lowest at FT4 levels of 1.1-1.2 ng/dL and highest at FT4 levels <0.9 ng/dL.
- Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels varied significantly with age and gender in the elderly.
- Proposed higher TSH reference ranges for individuals aged 60+ (7.7-9.2 mIU/L for men, 8.2-8.6 mIU/L for women) compared to younger adults.
Conclusions:
- Thyroid function appears slightly higher (lower TSH, higher FT4) in elderly individuals without cognitive impairment compared to those with impairment.
- These findings suggest a potential link between thyroid status and cognitive health in older Japanese adults.
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