Clinical endocrinology
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Clinical endocrinology · Feb 2014
Is previous hyperthyroidism associated with long-term cognitive dysfunction? A twin study.
Hyperthyroidism has been suggested to adversely affect cognitive function. However, this association could also be caused by genetic and environmental factors affecting both the development of hyperthyroidism and cognitive functioning. By investigating twin pairs discordant for hyperthyroidism, this potential confounding can be minimized. The aim of the study was to examine whether hyperthyroidism is associated with long-term cognitive dysfunction. ⋯ Utilizing discordant twin pairs to control for genetic as well as early environmental factors, we could not demonstrate any clinically relevant negative impact of previous hyperthyroidism on long-term cognitive function.