Thyroid Problems in the Elderly

Symptoms of hypo- and hyper-thyroidism in elderly can be missed as they are easily confused with the symptoms of ageing and this makes the diagnosis difficult. Hyperthyroidism frequently presents with AF or heart failure so called apathetic hyperthyroidism. Atypical presentations are well known in elderly with thyroid dysfunction. Atypical presentation in elderly with thyrotoxicosis are weight gain, heart failure, pedal edema, constipation, emotional disturbance while elderly hypothyroid subjects are known to present with cognitive function impairment and dementia. In fact, hypothyroidism is one of the causes of reversible dementia.