A recent study looked at the connection between thyroid hormones and cognitive impairments in those with PD. “Our findings provided definite proof that changes in thyroid hormone levels have clinical implications for cognitive outcomes." Let's get into what they found.
Cognitive changes can look like impairments in making your every day tasks, maintaining attention, slower thinking/processing, difficulty work-finding, learning, and changes in your memory. Thyroid hormones are produce by your thyroid, which is a gland that is located in your neck. These hormones are important to regulate metabolism, body temperature, mood, and heart rate.
A group of researchers in China collected blood samples from 106 PD patients without cognitive changes, and 94 with cognitive changes. They measured three different hormones: FT3, TSH, and FT4. Clinical measures called the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) were used to assess cognitive function.
The results showed significantly lower levels of FT3 and higher levels of FT4 and TSH in patients with cognitive impairments. Interestingly, the changes in hormone levels were found in people with demential compared to mild cognitive changes. This led researches to believe that there is an association between thyroid hormone levels and how severe the cognitive impairment is.
"This study provided supporting evidence on the clinical significance of investigating the intricate interplay between thyroid hormones and cognitive impairments in [Parkinson’s] patients. … This emphasizes the potential utility of these hormone levels as promising biomarkers for the detection of cognitive deficits in individuals with [Parkinson’s]."
What does this mean for our future? This study gives insight of possible means of diagnosing cognitive impairment and possible early screening. Maybe targeting the thyroid with treatment can help reduce cognitive impairment? Maybe the regularly screening for these hormones will help you receive the care you need faster? Time will tell.
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