In a round-about way, such testimony does validate what many of us have felt for a long time. Thyroid imbalances can and do affect memory and thought processes. Many describe feeling like they are in a mental fog when hypothyroid. It can even progress to dementia which can be wrongly diagnosed as Alzheimer's Disease.
According to a report presented to the World Alzheimer Congress in 2000 as many as 35% of the 785 patients treated at the Copenhagen Memory Clinic over a 40 month period had potentially treatable conditions that contributed to memory loss or loss of cognitive function. These included patients with thyroid disease. In The Thyroid Sourcebook, Sara Rosenthal, identifies undiagnosed thyroid disease as the most common cause of so-called senility in seniors.
According to Dr. Ridha Arem in his book The Thyroid Solution, low thyroid can leave one unable to remember details, names or even events. An imbalance of thyroid hormones in the brain cause a definite change in how the brain processes information and in one's ability to comprehend and retain information. Even a mild imbalance can effect mental processes.
Depression also effects cognitive function. Those with thyroid disease are often depressed. Seniors are also often depressed and grieving over losses in their lives. If you or your loved one appears to be suffering from memory loss and an inability to process information, don't assume that it is a "normal" process of aging. See your medical practioner and request that thyroid function tests are included in the diagnostic process.
author unknown
- Sources:
- Conference News Update: World Alzheimer Congress, 2000
- Arem, Ridha MD The Thyroid Solution 1999 Ballantine Publishing Group New York pp 51-56
- Rogers, Phil New allegations against Bauer
- Rosenthal M. Sara The Thyroid Sourcebook 1998 Lowell House Los Angeles CA p37
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