PHILADELPHIA: One hypothesis is that thyroid function affects dementia risk through nonvascular pathways.
High and high-normal thyroid function is linked to greater risk of developing dementia, but not vascular brain disease, according to research.
Previous research has outlined a definitive role for thyroid hormone in both brain and cardiovascular function, and dysfunction has been linked to cardiovascular disease.2,3 Given that cardiovascular risk factors are being investigated as possible modifiable risk factors for dementia, researchers led by Layal Chaker, MD, MSc, of Erasmus University Rotterdam, the Netherlands investigated the role of thyroid function in dementia, cognitive decline, and vascular brain disease.