Cognitive Function in Working Population With Abnormal Thyroid Function Test

Abstract

Context: Cognitive impairment is linked to thyroid dysfunction in various studies; however, the evidence is mixed. Aims: To determine cognitive function in the working population with abnormal thyroid function tests. Settings: Outpatient department of Medicine in a tertiary care hospital located in Central India. Design: Hospital-based, cross-sectional study. Methods and Material:100 patients between 15-64 years of age with different patterns of thyroid dysfunction were subjected to cognitive function testing via the Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE) questionnaire. Statistical analysis used: The data obtained was coded in a Microsoft Excel Worksheet and analyzed by SPSS software version 21. Results: 100 patients (11 % men and 89 % women) were included in the present study. The mean age of the study population was 37.11±8.76 years. 87 % had overt hypothyroidism, 6 % had subclinical hypothyroidism, 6 % had overt hyperthyroidism. The mean MMSE score of patients with abnormal thyroid function tests was 27.62 ±2.04 (Range 23-30). The mean MMSE score in patients with overt hypothyroidism was 27.54 ± 2.07, that of overt hyperthyroidism 28.33 ±1.03, and that of subclinical hypothyroidism was 27.67 ± 2.50. MMSE scores among different patterns of thyroid dysfunction were not found to be statistically significant. The MMSE scores between newly and previously diagnosed patients with thyroid dysfunction were not statistically significant. (28.3 ± 1.06 vs 27.54 ± 2.12). Conclusions: The results suggest no association between cognitive function and abnormal thyroid function tests in the working population.