Every
cell in the body, including cells in the brain, contains receptors
for thyroid hormones. Thyroid hormones can stimulate and change
the structure of particular regions of the brain, such as the hippocampus,
the area primarily responsible for learning and memory.1,2 They
also modulate enzymes that regulate the
metabolic rate of brain cells.
Temporary
memory loss is a classic symptom of hypothyroidism, a condition
arising from inadequate production of hormones by the thyroid gland,
or from decreased peripheral conversion of the thyroid hormone thyroxine
(T4) into triiodothyronine (T3) in the kidney or the liver.
Fortunately,
memory loss caused by thyroid hormone imbalances can often be effectively
treated. As a recent case study illustrates, proper diagnostic testing
is crucial, because memory loss may be the only symptom of thyroid
insufficiency, and may occur without any other physical signs of
thyroid imbalance.3
Even
sublinical thyroid imbalances can
affect mental ability. Evidence
indicates that as levels of thyroid
hormone thyroxine decrease, cognitive
function generally declines.4 Researchers
from the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm,
Sweden found that levels of thyroid
stimulating hormone (TSH) correlate
with episodic memory performance in
healthy men and women over the age
of 75 years old.5 They
speculated that TSH may actually help
the brain encode and store memory.
Another study reported that memory
loss was the only cognitive symptom
of subclinical hypothyroidism in a
group of female patients with goiter,
and was effectively alleviated with
thyroid hormone treatment.6
For
these reasons, optimizing thyroid function is considered an important
tool for anti-aging therapies designed to safeguard memory and cognitive
function.7
The
Comprehensive Thyroid Assessment is a thorough analysis
of central and periphery thyroid secretion and metabolism, and can
identify both overt and subclinical imbalances that may be affecting
memory loss in patients.
References:
1 Gould E, Wooley CS, McEwen BS. The hippocampal formation: morphological
changes induced by thryoid, gonadal and adrenal hormones. Psychoneuroendocrinol
1991;16(1-3):67-84.
2 McEwen
BS. Stress and hippocampal plasticity. Ann Rev Neurosci 1999;22:105-22.
3 Boillet
D, Szoke A. Psychiatric manifestations as the only clinical sign
of hypothyroidism. Apropos of a case. [French] Encephale 1998;24(1):65-8.
4 Prinz
PN, Scanlan JM, Vialiano PP, Moe KE, Borson S, Toivola B, Merriuam
GR, Larsen LH, Reed HL. Thyroid hormones: Positive relationships
with cognition in healthy, euthyroid older men. J Gerontol A Biol
Sci Med Sci 1999;54(3):M111-6.
5 Wahlin
A, Wahlin TB, Small BJ, Backman L. Influences of thyroid stimulating
hormone on cognitive functioning in very old age. J Gerontol B Psychol
Sci Soc Sci 1998;53(4):P234-9.
6 Baldinia
IM, Vita A, Mauri MC, Amodei V, Carrisi M, Bravin S, Cantalamessa
L. Psychopathological and cognitive features in subclinical hypothyroidism.
Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 1997;21(6):925-35.
7 Nolan
KA, Blass JP. Preventing cognitive decline. Clin Geriatr Med 1992;8(1):19-34.
Call to set up a nutritional consultation so that tests
can be performed and a comprehensive strategy of lifestyle,
dietary modification and nutrient supplementation can
be implemented to aid you in reversing this disorder.
For an appointment, contact our office at: 800-956-7083
or local at 818 707-3126.
Dr. Rispoli, Ph.D., L Ac. has had a clinical practice
for over 20 years. Her programs work because she is
so thorough in testing and providing a nutritional approach.
Remember that the body can heal itself if given the
proper nutrients.
The information herein is not intended as diagnosis,
treatment or a cure. Should you have a medical condition
please seek the advice of your medical doctor. |
