I'm not sure why, but articles on Alzheimer's and the Thyroid are some of the most frequently viewed on this website.By Bob DeMarco
In the book The Alzheimer's Action Plan: The Experts' Guide to the Best Diagnosis and Treatment for Memory Problems the authors discuss in detail physical problems that can effect memory. As part of that discussion, they point out that hypothyroidism can present as Alzheimer's, dementia, or depression
While I don't want to hold out false hope, I often recommend to people I meet that they get the thyroid checked if they suspect, or are receiving a diagnosis of dementia or depression.
I first read that hypothyroidism could present as dementia or Alzheimer's a couple of years ago. As a a result, I decided to get my mother's thyroid checked. Sure enough, she was suffering from hypothyroidism. It did not cure her Alzheimer's.
The medication did have an unintended positive effect -- she started smiling and laughing for the first time in years.
I suggest you share this information with others.
Here is the original article that I wrote on this topic.
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I wish I could shout this from the mountain top: when Alzheimer's or dementia present themselves get the thyroid checked.
About a year ago, I read an article on hypothyroidism and posted it to this blog. The article described the symptoms of hypothyroidism and how it is associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease in women only.
The symptoms of hypothyroidism include: forgetfulness, weight gain, depression, dry skin, and fatigue. All of these were present in my mother. As a result, I asked our personal physician to check my mother's thyroid. Sure enough she was suffering from a sluggish thyroid. He prescribed levothyroxine.
The results of the medication for us were remarkable. Within a couple of days my mother started to smile. Next thing I knew, my mother started to experience an occasional hearty laugh. Something she had not done in years. If you are a caregiver, like me, you will understand how frustrating it can be when your loved one stops laughing and smiling.
I believe you can understand how wonderful I felt, when I heard my mother laugh for the first time in years. My mother continues to smile with greater frequency, and I can tell you she went for years without a smile before the introduction of the drug.
An additional benefit of the thyroid medication included a slow but gradual loss of weight(about 8 pounds so far).
We were fortunate that we read the article on hypothyroidism. If you, a friend, or a loved one is suffering from dementia or Alzheimer's please get the thyroid checked closely.
In the book The Alzheimer's Action Plan: The Experts' Guide to the Best Diagnosis and Treatment for Memory Problems the authors discuss in detail physical problems that can and do effect memory. The book is worth obtaining. It is full of beneficial information and resources.
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Bob DeMarco is the editor of the Alzheimer's Reading Room and an Alzheimer's caregiver. The Alzheimer's Reading Room is the number one website on the Internet for news, advice, and insight into Alzheimer's disease. Bob has written more than 950 articles with more than 8,000 links on the Internet. Bob resides in Delray Beach, FL.
Original content Bob DeMarco, Alzheimer's Reading Room
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