The impact of cholecalciferol on cognitive performance in patients with hypothyroidism and autoimmune thyroiditis

Abstract

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is a chronic autoimmune thyroiditis characterized by lymphocytic infiltration that may result in the gradual loss of thyroid tissue. According to a study, even with normal thyroid function, autoimmune thyroiditis can cause neuroinflammation, leading to emotional changes and mental disorders. Although the mechanism is unclear, some research indicates that vitamin D has a beneficial effect on autoimmune thyroid diseases. The relationship between serum vitamin D levels and cognitive impairment in patients with autoimmune thyroiditis has been established in clinical studies.
 Objective — to investigate the impact of cholecalciferol on cognitive function in patients with hypothyroidism and autoimmune thyroiditis in the Western Ukrainian population.
 Materials and methods. The study involved 56 patients diagnosed with hypothyroidism resulting from autoimmune thyroiditis. These patients were divided into two groups. Group 1 (n=28) received cholecalciferol at a dose of 4000 IU/day (28.000 IU/week) and L‑thyroxine (88.39±12.70 mg/day), while Group 2 (n=28) received only L‑thyroxine (87.50±12.73 mg/ day). Assessments were conducted at the start and end of a 12‑week treatment period, and cognitive function was measured using the Mini‑Mental State Examination. The results showed a decline in cognitive function.
 Results. Following the treatment course, patients demonstrated an improvement in cognitive function. In Group 1, where patients were treated with cholecalciferol and L‑thyroxine, the proportion of patients with moderate (pre‑dementia) cognitive impairment decreased from 50% to 21.4%. However, there were no significant changes observed in the group that received only L‑thyroxine. Normalization of cognitive function as determined by the MMCE test increased from 28.6% to 78.6% in Group 1, and from 21.4% to 50% in Group 2 patients.
 Conclusions. Based on our findings, vitamin D supplements should be given to patients diagnosed with autoimmune thyroiditis and hypothyroidism in order to enhance cognitive function.