Thyroid function and cognitive health: rethinking the relationship between "suboptimal" TSH/FT4 levels and cognitive...

Controversial hypotheses suggest that "suboptimal" thyroid function - defined as higher-normal thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) (2.0 to 4.5 μIU/mL) or low-normal free thyroxine (FT4) - may increase risk of cognitive decline and dementia in older patients.

We examined this claim using data from the Canadian Comprehensive Assessment of Neurodegeneration and Dementia cohort (ages 50 to 91; cognitive statuses from unimpaired to dementia, rarer subtypes of dementia excluded). Thyroid function was categorized as "optimal" (TSH < 2.0 μIU/mL or FT4 ≥ 16.74 pmol/L) or "suboptimal." Six hundred eighty-eight participants had TSH data, and 476 participants had FT4 data.

Chi-squared analyses showed no significant association between "suboptimal" thyroid function and cognitive impairment (TSH: χ² = 0.178, p = 0.67; FT4: χ² = 0.0027, p = 0.96). True hypothyroidism was rare; 98.6% of those with elevated TSH had normal FT4.

These findings do not support claims that higher-normal TSH or low-normal FT4 contribute to cognitive impairment. Caution is warranted against advocating unproven thyroid supplementation for cognitive health.

No link was found between "suboptimal" thyroid function and cognitive impairment. Higher-normal TSH levels do not indicate dementia risk or hypothyroidism. Among participants with elevated TSH, 98.6% had normal FT4 levels. Redefining TSH cutoffs to 2.0 μIU/mL lacks clinical justification. Findings question the functional medicine approach of thyroid supplementation for cognitive health.