Cognitive Function in Individuals with Chronic Hypoparathyroidism-A Prospective Observational Study

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Neuropsychology
• Clinical Medicine

Background:

• Chronic hypoparathyroidism is associated with patient-reported
• brain fog,
• but objective evidence of cognitive impairment is limited.
• Cognitive deficits impact daily functioning and workability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate cognitive function in chronic hypoparathyroidism patients.
• To compare cognitive performance with healthy controls.
• To determine the prevalence of cognitive impairment.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 30 individuals with hypoparathyroidism and 30 matched healthy controls were assessed.
• Cognitive performance was evaluated using a neurocognitive test battery.
• Tests assessed attention, processing speed, verbal learning, memory, and executive function.

Main Results:

• Patients with chronic hypoparathyroidism exhibited poorer attention and processing speed compared to controls.
• A higher percentage of patients showed deficits in attention, processing speed, and executive function.
• Cognitive impairment was prevalent in over 50% of patients in key domains.

Conclusions:

• Cognitive dysfunction, especially in attention and processing speed, is common in chronic hypoparathyroidism.
• Recognizing cognitive impairment is vital for patient management and workability assessments.
• Neuropsychological training may offer therapeutic benefits for cognitive deficits.