Cognitive impairment in patients with hypothyroidism and possibilities of its correction

Abstract

Aim. To identify and correct cognitive impairment in patients with hypothyroidism.

Materials and methods. The study included 76 patients with primary hypothyroidism. All patients were divided into 2 groups: compensated and decompensated hypothyroidism. In addition to general clinical, and hormonal blood tests all participants in the study underwent ultrasound of the thyroid gland and ECG, the neurophysiological study of cognitive evoked potentials, and testing according to the Montreal cognitive function assessment scale.

Results. In the majority of patients with a lack of thyroid hormones, cognitive impairments were detected, which increase with worsening compensation for hypothyroidism according to the results of Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale testing. The study of evoked potentials in patients with hypothyroidism revealed an increase in latency and a decrease in the amplitude of the P300 indicator, indicating the presence of cognitive deficit. The addition of ethylmethylhydroxypyridine succinate to hormone replacement therapy in patients with hypothyroidism significantly improves cognitive performance more than hormone monotherapy.

Conclusions. This study showed the need to identify cognitive impairments in patients with primary hypothyroidism, and their correction with the help of complex therapy increases the cognitive potential and the effectiveness of their treatment.