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.
