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Posted on Nov 10, 2003, 12 p.m.
By Bill Freeman
The symptoms of hypothyroidism mimic many of the conditions that people associate with aging. Mental problems that resemble Alzheimer
How Thyroid Hormone Fights Aging
The symptoms of hypothyroidism mimic many of the conditions that people associate with aging. Mental problems that resemble Alzheimer's disease and other degenerative brain diseases may also result from low TH production. In fact, hypothyroidism may be responsible for cases of treatable dementia, and has been related to negative changes in cognitive function in elderly patients. Without adequate TH, your heart pumps less vigorously, sending less blood - and less of the essential nutrients and oxygen that blood carries - into the brain. Many patients find that memory problems, confusion, loss of concentration, and similar symptoms clear up when TH levels are back to normal.
Depression may result from the changes of life that come with growing older. However, hypothyroidism may also produce emotional reactions, including a loss of energy that impedes making positive changes. Crying jags, anti-social behavior, phobias, insomnia, anxiety, and a sense of helpless confusion may result both from hypothyroidism and from hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), a related condition. Many people suffering from these symptoms have reported immediate changes in mood and energy levels as soon as they started taking TH supplements.
