Thyrotoxicosis as a mimic of dementia and/or stroke-like syndrome

The case reported here and others like it indicate that thyrotoxicosis can be manifested by psychosis or bizarre neurologic signs. Thus, hyperthyroidism in late life may be overlooked and the patient given the diagnosis of psychosis secondary to organic brain syndrome or cerebrovascular accident. Thyrotoxicosis, which is treatable, should be looked for as a possible cause of deterioration of mental function with or without focal neurologic signs.