Hypothyroidism affects men, women in different ways: Study

Bengaluru: Researchers at the Centre for Brain Research (CBR), Indian Institute of Science (IISc) campus, Bengaluru, have highlighted the link between hypothyroidism and its potential impact on cognitive health among older adults in Bengaluru, in a new study.

Men with hypothyroidism performed poorly in language and memory-related, and visuospatial abilities and women with hypothyroidism showed impairments primarily in attention-based tasks, the study found.

Participants receiving adequate thyroid medication performed better in cognitive tests processing compared to those inadequately treated or untreated.

The study also highlighted that effective management of hypothyroidism can be crucial to improved cognitive outcomes.

Hypothyroidism, characterised by an under-active thyroid gland, can result in fatigue, weight gain, abnormal bone development and cognitive decline.

Published in the journal Brain Communications, the study sheds light on the critical need for early detection and effective treatment of thyroid dysfunction to preserve cognitive function in ageing populations.  

The study was based on data from the Tata Longitudinal Study of Ageing (TLSA) funded by the Tata Trusts. The research team examined 1,201 individuals, without dementia, aged 45 years and above residing in Bengaluru.

It revealed a 17.69 per cent prevalence of hypothyroidism, with the majority being subclinical cases. Women were disproportionately affected, showing a higher prevalence than men.

The study highlights the critical need for regular thyroid screenings, particularly in ageing populations, and early intervention for subclinical hypothyroidism, which often goes unnoticed due to its lack of overt symptoms.

By addressing thyroid dysfunction early, cognitive decline can be potentially mitigated and the quality of life can be improved for older adults.  

CBR is focused on research on the ageing brain and associated disorders. With India's ageing population on the rise, this study offers timely insights into the intersection of endocrinology and neurology, paving the way for improved healthcare interventions.