Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsThyroid and MemoryCognitive Symptoms in HypothyroidismCognitive Symptoms in HyperthyroidismTreatment of Thyroid DiseaseThyroid Problems and Dementia RiskFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Thyroid and Memory
Cognitive Symptoms in Hypothyroidism
Cognitive Symptoms in Hyperthyroidism
Treatment of Thyroid Disease
Thyroid Problems and Dementia Risk
Frequently Asked Questions
Thyroid disorderscan cause difficulty with energy, concentration, and memory—often described as “brain fog.”
This article explains the link between thyroid function and memory, as well as howhypothyroidism(low thyroid function) andhyperthyroidism(high thyroid function) can mimic the symptoms of dementia.
Verywell / Hugo Lin
Yourthyroid gland, which is located in your neck, produces hormones that regulate growth and development. If the thyroid gland is not functioning well, many problems can result. They include extreme fatigue, weight loss or weight gain, rapid heartbeat, andhair loss.
Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can also cause cognitive problems that can mimic symptoms of mild dementia.
Thyroid Disease
What Is Dementia?
Dementiarefers to several conditions that cause a decline in memory and cognitive skills needed to perform the basic activities of daily living. Alzheimer’s disease is the best-known type of dementia.
The early symptoms of dementia can vary from one person to another.
Typical symptoms include:
Symptoms of mild dementia sometimes develop when thyroid levels are abnormal, and they usually resolve with treatment.
Women are three times more likely than men to develop hypothyroidism—a medical condition in which the body does not produce enough thyroid hormones.
Cognitive symptoms of people with hypothyroidism includememory problemsand difficulty concentrating.
Researchers aren’t entirely certain why these issues surface, but thyroid hormones play an important role in thehippocampus, a part of the brain that’s important for learning and memory.
And when production of the thyroid hormone slows down, some people can experience vague symptoms often described as “brain fog.”
Small changes inexecutive functioninghave also been noted in untreated or under-treated hypothyroidism. Executive functioning includes abilities such as planning, impulse control, and making decisions.
Hyperthyroidism occurs when your thyroid gland produces more thyroid hormone than your body needs.
Some people with hyperthyroidism, such asGraves’ disease, commonly experience poor concentration, slower reaction times, decreased spatial organization, and memory lapses.
Fortunately, there are effective treatments available for those with thyroid problems, including medication:
These treatments are not curative, and many people take the medication for life.
Other Interventions for Hyperthyroidism
Certain procedures can treat an overactive thyroid:
Research has shown a complex link between thyroid disease and symptoms of dementia.
It appears thatmajorcognitive problems are not likely to develop with hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. And minor cognitive problems associated with thyroid functioning (like forgetfulness and brain fog) are often temporary and improve with treatment.
In the end, if you’re exhibiting major cognitive decline, your healthcare provider should conduct a comprehensive assessment to determine if medical conditions aside from your thyroid disease may be contributing to your current state.
Summary
It can be embarrassing to appear forgetful. But if you’re dealing with a thyroid disorder, you should cut yourself some slack: If your thyroid gland isn’t working properly, it can cause memory issues. Symptoms of both an overactive and underactive thyroid can appear like mild dementia, with poor concentration and memory problems being red flags. The good news is that medication can get both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism under control.
A Word From Verywell
If you’re experiencing forgetfulness or difficulty concentrating along with your thyroid issues, be sure to alert your healthcare provider. Thyroid problems can cause mild thinking, memory, and concentration issues, and an adjustment of your medications may help. It’s also important that you have an evaluation for other potential problems.
Frequently Asked QuestionsPossibly. The research on thyroid and dementia risk is mixed.It appears as though both high and low TSH levels can increase the risk of dementia in people under age 75. However, taking medication to restore thyroid hormone levels to the normal range eliminates the increased risk of dementia.For the most part, yes. Treating hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism with medications to adjust thyroid levels can help you think more clearly. People who are treated with supplemental thyroid therapy show no decline in cognitive functioning. However, it is unclear if thyroid treatment helps memory issues in adults above age 75.
Possibly. The research on thyroid and dementia risk is mixed.It appears as though both high and low TSH levels can increase the risk of dementia in people under age 75. However, taking medication to restore thyroid hormone levels to the normal range eliminates the increased risk of dementia.
Possibly. The research on thyroid and dementia risk is mixed.
It appears as though both high and low TSH levels can increase the risk of dementia in people under age 75. However, taking medication to restore thyroid hormone levels to the normal range eliminates the increased risk of dementia.
For the most part, yes. Treating hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism with medications to adjust thyroid levels can help you think more clearly. People who are treated with supplemental thyroid therapy show no decline in cognitive functioning. However, it is unclear if thyroid treatment helps memory issues in adults above age 75.
10 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Cooke GE, Mullally S, Correia N, O’Mara SM, Gibney J.Hippocampal volume is decreased in adults with hypothyroidism.Thyroid. 2014;24(3):433-440. doi:10.1089/thy.2013.0058Kramer C, von Muhlen D, Kritz-Silverstein D, Barrett-Connor E.Treated hypothyroidism, cognitive function, and depressed mood in old age: the Rancho Bernardo study.Eur J Endocrinol. 2009;(161)917-921. doi:10.1530/EJE-09-0606Alzheimer’s Association.10 Early signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s and dementia.Piedmont Healthcare.The difference between hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.British Thyroid Foundation.Psychological symptoms and thyroid disorders.National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Hyperthyroidism.Juárez-Cedillo T, Basurto-Acevedo L, Vega-García S, et al.Prevalence of thyroid dysfunction and its impact on cognition in older Mexican adults: (SADEM study).J Endocrinol Invest.2017;40(9):945-952. doi:10.1007/s40618-017-0654-6Pasqualetti G, Pagano G, Rengo G, Ferrara N, Monzani F.Subclinical hypothyroidism and cognitive impairment: systematic review and meta-analysis.J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2015;100(11):4240-4248. doi:10.1210/jc.2015-2046Brenowitz WD, Han F, Kukull WA, Nelson PT.Treated hypothyroidism is associated with cerebrovascular disease but not Alzheimer’s disease pathology in older adults.Neurobiol Aging. 2018;62:64-71. doi:10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2017.10.004Parsaik AK, Singh B, Roberts RO, et al.Hypothyroidism and risk of mild cognitive impairment in elderly persons: a population-based study.JAMA Neurol. 2014;71(2):201-207. doi:10.1001/jamaneurol.2013.5402Additional ReadingAmerican Thyroid Association.Thyroid disease in older patients.Aubert C, Bauer D, da Costa B et al.The association between subclinical thyroid dysfunction and dementia: The health, aging and body composition (Health ABC) study.Clin Endocrinol (Oxf). 2017;87(5):617-626. doi:10.1111/cen.13458
10 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Cooke GE, Mullally S, Correia N, O’Mara SM, Gibney J.Hippocampal volume is decreased in adults with hypothyroidism.Thyroid. 2014;24(3):433-440. doi:10.1089/thy.2013.0058Kramer C, von Muhlen D, Kritz-Silverstein D, Barrett-Connor E.Treated hypothyroidism, cognitive function, and depressed mood in old age: the Rancho Bernardo study.Eur J Endocrinol. 2009;(161)917-921. doi:10.1530/EJE-09-0606Alzheimer’s Association.10 Early signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s and dementia.Piedmont Healthcare.The difference between hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.British Thyroid Foundation.Psychological symptoms and thyroid disorders.National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Hyperthyroidism.Juárez-Cedillo T, Basurto-Acevedo L, Vega-García S, et al.Prevalence of thyroid dysfunction and its impact on cognition in older Mexican adults: (SADEM study).J Endocrinol Invest.2017;40(9):945-952. doi:10.1007/s40618-017-0654-6Pasqualetti G, Pagano G, Rengo G, Ferrara N, Monzani F.Subclinical hypothyroidism and cognitive impairment: systematic review and meta-analysis.J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2015;100(11):4240-4248. doi:10.1210/jc.2015-2046Brenowitz WD, Han F, Kukull WA, Nelson PT.Treated hypothyroidism is associated with cerebrovascular disease but not Alzheimer’s disease pathology in older adults.Neurobiol Aging. 2018;62:64-71. doi:10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2017.10.004Parsaik AK, Singh B, Roberts RO, et al.Hypothyroidism and risk of mild cognitive impairment in elderly persons: a population-based study.JAMA Neurol. 2014;71(2):201-207. doi:10.1001/jamaneurol.2013.5402Additional ReadingAmerican Thyroid Association.Thyroid disease in older patients.Aubert C, Bauer D, da Costa B et al.The association between subclinical thyroid dysfunction and dementia: The health, aging and body composition (Health ABC) study.Clin Endocrinol (Oxf). 2017;87(5):617-626. doi:10.1111/cen.13458
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Cooke GE, Mullally S, Correia N, O’Mara SM, Gibney J.Hippocampal volume is decreased in adults with hypothyroidism.Thyroid. 2014;24(3):433-440. doi:10.1089/thy.2013.0058Kramer C, von Muhlen D, Kritz-Silverstein D, Barrett-Connor E.Treated hypothyroidism, cognitive function, and depressed mood in old age: the Rancho Bernardo study.Eur J Endocrinol. 2009;(161)917-921. doi:10.1530/EJE-09-0606Alzheimer’s Association.10 Early signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s and dementia.Piedmont Healthcare.The difference between hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.British Thyroid Foundation.Psychological symptoms and thyroid disorders.National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Hyperthyroidism.Juárez-Cedillo T, Basurto-Acevedo L, Vega-García S, et al.Prevalence of thyroid dysfunction and its impact on cognition in older Mexican adults: (SADEM study).J Endocrinol Invest.2017;40(9):945-952. doi:10.1007/s40618-017-0654-6Pasqualetti G, Pagano G, Rengo G, Ferrara N, Monzani F.Subclinical hypothyroidism and cognitive impairment: systematic review and meta-analysis.J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2015;100(11):4240-4248. doi:10.1210/jc.2015-2046Brenowitz WD, Han F, Kukull WA, Nelson PT.Treated hypothyroidism is associated with cerebrovascular disease but not Alzheimer’s disease pathology in older adults.Neurobiol Aging. 2018;62:64-71. doi:10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2017.10.004Parsaik AK, Singh B, Roberts RO, et al.Hypothyroidism and risk of mild cognitive impairment in elderly persons: a population-based study.JAMA Neurol. 2014;71(2):201-207. doi:10.1001/jamaneurol.2013.5402
Cooke GE, Mullally S, Correia N, O’Mara SM, Gibney J.Hippocampal volume is decreased in adults with hypothyroidism.Thyroid. 2014;24(3):433-440. doi:10.1089/thy.2013.0058
Kramer C, von Muhlen D, Kritz-Silverstein D, Barrett-Connor E.Treated hypothyroidism, cognitive function, and depressed mood in old age: the Rancho Bernardo study.Eur J Endocrinol. 2009;(161)917-921. doi:10.1530/EJE-09-0606
Alzheimer’s Association.10 Early signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Piedmont Healthcare.The difference between hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.
British Thyroid Foundation.Psychological symptoms and thyroid disorders.
National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Hyperthyroidism.
Juárez-Cedillo T, Basurto-Acevedo L, Vega-García S, et al.Prevalence of thyroid dysfunction and its impact on cognition in older Mexican adults: (SADEM study).J Endocrinol Invest.2017;40(9):945-952. doi:10.1007/s40618-017-0654-6
Pasqualetti G, Pagano G, Rengo G, Ferrara N, Monzani F.Subclinical hypothyroidism and cognitive impairment: systematic review and meta-analysis.J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2015;100(11):4240-4248. doi:10.1210/jc.2015-2046
Brenowitz WD, Han F, Kukull WA, Nelson PT.Treated hypothyroidism is associated with cerebrovascular disease but not Alzheimer’s disease pathology in older adults.Neurobiol Aging. 2018;62:64-71. doi:10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2017.10.004
Parsaik AK, Singh B, Roberts RO, et al.Hypothyroidism and risk of mild cognitive impairment in elderly persons: a population-based study.JAMA Neurol. 2014;71(2):201-207. doi:10.1001/jamaneurol.2013.5402
American Thyroid Association.Thyroid disease in older patients.Aubert C, Bauer D, da Costa B et al.The association between subclinical thyroid dysfunction and dementia: The health, aging and body composition (Health ABC) study.Clin Endocrinol (Oxf). 2017;87(5):617-626. doi:10.1111/cen.13458
American Thyroid Association.Thyroid disease in older patients.
Aubert C, Bauer D, da Costa B et al.The association between subclinical thyroid dysfunction and dementia: The health, aging and body composition (Health ABC) study.Clin Endocrinol (Oxf). 2017;87(5):617-626. doi:10.1111/cen.13458
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