Data on the association between subclinical thyroid dysfunction and dementia are limited and conflicting. We aimed to determine whether subclinical thyroid dysfunction was associated with dementia and cognitive decline.
DESIGN
Population-based prospective cohort study.
PATIENTS
Adults aged 70-79 years with measured thyroid function, but no dementia at baseline, and Modified Mini-Mental State (3MS) at baseline and follow-up.
MEASUREMENTS
Primary outcome was incident adjudicated dementia, based on 3MS, hospital records, and dementia drugs. Secondary outcome was change in 3MS. Models were adjusted for age, sex, race, education, and baseline 3MS, and then further for cardiovascular risk factors.
RESULTS
Among 2558 adults, 85% were euthyroid (TSH 0.45-4.49mIU/L), 2% had subclinical hyperthyroidism with mildly decreased TSH (TSH 0.10- 0.44mIU/L), 1% subclinical hyperthyroidism with suppressed TSH (TSH<0.10mIU/L with normal free thyroxine [FT4]) and 12% subclinical hypothyroidism (TSH 4.50-19.99mIU/L with normal FT4). Over 9 years, 22% developed dementia. Compared to euthyroidism, risk of dementia was higher in participants with subclinical hyperthyroidisim with suppressed TSH (HR 2.38, 95%CI=1.13;5.04), while we found no significant association in those with mildly decreased TSH (HR 0.79, 95%CI=0.45;1.38) or with subclinical hypothyroidism (HR 0.91, 95%CI=0.70;1.19). Participants with subclinical hyperthyroidism with suppressed TSH had a larger decline in 3MS (-3.89, 95%CI=-7.62;-0.15).
CONCLUSIONS
Among older adults, subclinical hyperthyroidism with a TSH<0.10mIU/L was associated with a higher risk of dementia and a larger cognitive decline, while subclinical hyperthyroidism with mildly decreased TSH or subclinical hypothyroidism were not. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
