Can Untreated Hypothyroidism Cause Memory Loss?
Hypothyroidism happens when your thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormones. These hormones help control energy, metabolism, and brain function. Without treatment, low thyroid levels can lead to problems like memory loss, especially in older people.
Many people with untreated hypothyroidism notice fuzzy thinking or brain fog. This includes trouble remembering things, focusing, or learning new information. For example, older adults often show weaknesses in memory, attention, and mental speed. They might feel forgetful or slow in their thoughts, which doctors sometimes mistake for aging or depression.[1][2][3]
Studies show that even mild cases of hypothyroidism can cause these brain issues. Brain tissue needs thyroid hormones to work right, and small drops in those hormones affect memory and clarity. People report fatigue and forgetfulness that happen all day, making daily tasks harder.[3][5]
In seniors, the link is stronger. Untreated hypothyroidism brings symptoms like confusion, slow thinking, and poor memory. Tests on elderly patients find lower scores in memory, attention, and other thinking skills. Some even have mental status changes that look like early dementia.[1][4][6]
Not every study agrees completely. Some research on groups of older people found no big drop in thinking skills when hypothyroidism developed. But most evidence points to real risks, especially if the condition lasts a long time.[4]
Treating hypothyroidism with medicine like levothyroxine can help many symptoms. Thinking often gets better, but in long-term cases, some memory problems might stick around. Catching it early gives the best chance to protect the brain.[1]
Other signs of untreated hypothyroidism include tiredness, weight gain, dry skin, feeling cold, and constipation. If you have memory issues plus these, talk to a doctor about thyroid tests.[2]
Sources:
https://www.consultant360.com/exclusives/revisiting-dementia-s-relationship-hypothyroidism
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2842702
https://www.restartmed.com/brain-fog-hashimotos/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279005/
https://www.droracle.ai/articles/594637/can-thyroid-problems-such-as-hypothyroidism-or-hyperthyroidism-cause
https://www.cureus.com/articles/449123-functional-and-cognitive-decline-in-an-older-adult-with-severe-hyponatremia-and-undiagnosed-hypothyroidism-a-geriatric-perspective
https://allseniors.org/faqs/what-should-seniors-know-about-thyroid-disorders/
