Could an Overactive Thyroid be the Brain’s Nemesis?
Could an Overactive Thyroid Have Negative Effects on the Aging Brain?
Can an Overactive Thyroid Damage the Aging Brain?
We all know that aging comes with its fair share of challenges. From graying hair to creaking bones, it’s no secret that our bodies go through some major changes as the years go by. But what if I were to tell you that there’s something even more sinister lurking in the shadows, wreaking havoc on our precious brain cells? Brace yourselves, my friends, because a new study has revealed that elevated levels of thyroid hormone could be the brain’s worst nightmare, increasing the risk of dementia and other cognitive disorders in seniors.
Now, you might be wondering how on earth an overactive thyroid gland or thyroid medication could be responsible for such cognitive chaos. Well, dear reader, buckle up as we dive into the fascinating world of thyrotoxicosis. Yes, that’s right, this condition where thyroid hormone levels are off the charts has been linked to thinking problems. Whether it’s a hyperactive gland or too much thyroid medication, the danger is clear.
Dr. Jennifer Mammen, the senior researcher from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, had this to say: “Our results suggest that an increased risk of cognitive disorders is among the potential negative consequences of thyroid hormone excess, a common consequence of thyroid hormone therapy.” In other words, our precious brains are not immune to the effects of thyroid treatment gone wild.
But fear not, my fellow humans. Dr. Mammen has some sage advice for clinicians: “Clinicians considering thyroid hormone therapy in older adults should avoid over-treatment by using age-appropriate treatment strategies.” So, rest assured that we have our medical professionals looking out for us, keeping us safe from the clutches of an overactive thyroid.
Now, I know what you’re thinking. Is this study the real deal, or is it just another one of those mixed results that leave us scratching our heads? Well, dear reader, fear not, for this study is not like the others. The researchers left no stone unturned, analyzing the health records of nearly 66,000 seniors who received primary care from the prestigious Johns Hopkins Health System. And what did they find? Elevated levels of thyroids were associated with a whopping 39% increase in the risk of a cognitive disorder diagnosis. That’s no small number, my friends.
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But wait, there’s more! The study also found that about 11% of patients with thyrotoxicosis ended up diagnosed with a thinking problem by the time they reached the ripe age of 75. In comparison, only around 6% of those without high thyroid levels faced the same unfortunate fate. And by age 85, the numbers got even more alarming, with 34% of patients with thyrotoxicosis being diagnosed with a thinking problem, while only 26% of patients without high thyroid suffered the same fate.
But it doesn’t end there, my friends. It turns out that the amount of thyroid medication also played a role in the risk of cognitive disorders. Patients whose meds caused severely high thyroid hormone levels had a 65% increased risk of cognitive problems. On the other hand, those with more moderate degrees of excess thyroid had a 23% increased risk. Who knew that medication for one condition could cause such chaos in another?
So, what can we take away from all this? Well, for starters, it’s time to pay closer attention to our thyroid health. Thyroid hormone is one of the most common prescriptions in the United States, and as many as 20% of people could be taking too much of it. That’s a lot of potential risk for thyrotoxicosis and its brain-harming effects.
But fear not, my dear readers, for knowledge is power. Armed with this newfound information, we can now work hand in hand with our healthcare providers to ensure that we receive age-appropriate treatment strategies. Let’s keep our precious brains sharp as ever and not let an overactive thyroid take us down. Stay healthy, stay informed, and may your brains be forever sharp!
More information
- The Cleveland Clinic has more about thyrotoxicosis.
SOURCE: Johns Hopkins Medicine, news release, Nov. 28, 2023
#### SLIDESHOW: Hyperthyroidism: Symptoms, Treatment, Medication