Alteration of the mental status in primary hypothyroidism

Abstract

Background. Thyroid hormones are essential for the optimal functioning of the central nervous system. Their deficit has well-documented adverse effects on cognitive and emotional functioning. People with hypothyroidism commonly experience symptoms such as impaired attention and memory, anxiety, depression. Objective(s). To assess the prevalence and characteristics of cognitive and affective disorders in people with primary autoimmune hypothyroidism, according to their age and gender group. Materials and methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Endocrinology Clinic of the “Timofei Moșneaga” RCH. The study cohorts included 40 people with primary hypothyroidism and 40 people from the control group. Cognitive and affective status were assessed using the MMSE, the HADS and the Landolt-C test. Thyroid hormones and lipid profiles were analyzed. Results. 70% of the people with autoimmune hypothyroidism had anxiety, and 72.5 % – depression. 35% of the people were identified with mild cognitive impairment, and 17.5% had a decreased level of concentration of attention. The disorders prevailed in the female gender group. Anxiety (87.5% of the people) and depression (75% of the people) had a higher prevalence in the 40-49 years old age group, compared to the other age groups. The highest percentage of people with mild cognitive impairment and decreased level of concentration of attention was found in the 60-69 years old age group, having an TSH level of 95.52 ± 5.24 μIU/ml. Conclusion(s). Central nervous system impairments in people with autoimmune hypothyroidism comprise affective dysfunctions and mild cognitive disorders. The alterations prevailed in the female gender group and in the elder. These impairments can be detected using the MMSE, the HADS and the Landolt-C test.