Johns Hopkins MedicineExcess Thyroid Hormone Levels Associated with Higher Risk of Cognitive Disorders Among Older Adults

Unraveling the Cognitive Implications of Thyrotoxicosis in Older Adults

A new study from Johns Hopkins Medicine reveals a significant correlation between thyrotoxicosis — excess thyroid hormone levels — and an increased risk of cognitive disorders in older adults. Distinguishing between exogenous and endogenous causes, the research highlights the nuanced impacts of thyroid hormone levels on cognitive health, underscoring the importance of prudent therapeutic strategies in older populations.

Key Points:

• Thyrotoxicosis is linked to an increased risk of cognitive disorders among older adults, as demonstrated in a comprehensive study by Johns Hopkins Medicine.
• The study categorizes thyrotoxicosis into two types: exogenous, resulting from thyroid medication intake, and endogenous, stemming from thyroid conditions like hyperthyroidism and Graves’ disease.
• Both exogenous and endogenous thyrotoxicosis are associated with a higher likelihood of developing cognitive disorders.
• According to GoodRx, thyroid hormone is among the most commonly prescribed medications in the US, with a significant portion of patients potentially overtreated.
• Overtreatment with thyroid hormone, leading to exogenous thyrotoxicosis, is a specific area of concern regarding cognitive health risks.
• The research utilized data from 65,931 patients aged 65 and older from the Johns Hopkins Medicine electronic health record database.
• Findings indicate a 39% increase in cognitive disorder diagnosis risk associated with all-cause thyrotoxicosis.
• A notable differentiation in risk was observed based on the severity of thyroid hormone excess, with more severe cases linked to a 65% increased risk.
• The study emphasizes the critical need for age-appropriate treatment strategies to avoid the potential cognitive risks of thyroid hormone therapy.

“Our goal was to investigate whether aggressive treatment practices, which can cause exogenous thyrotoxicosis, can also possibly cause cognitive harm.”
– Roy Adams, PhD, MS, offering a critical perspective on the importance of therapeutic moderation

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