Cognitive Dysfunction Common in Chronic Hypoparathyroidism

TOPLINE:

Cognitive dysfunction, particularly in “attention and processing speed,” is common in chronic hypoparathyroidism (HypoPT).

METHODOLOGY:

• In 30 patients with HypoPT and 30 control participants, a cognitive test battery, including the Trail Making Test A/B, the Color-Word Interference Test, and the California Verbal Learning Test, was used to evaluate the cognitive domains of “attention and processing speed,” “verbal learning and memory,” and “executive function.”

TAKEAWAY:

• With the effect of Beck Depression Inventory-II controlled as a covariate (since average scores were higher in the HypoPT vs control participants), the HypoPT differed significantly from control participants in “attention and processing speed” (P = .005) but not in verbal learning and memory (P = .159) or executive function (P = .224).
• In the HypoPT group, deficits were seen in attention and processing speed, verbal learning and memory, and executive function in 17 (56.7%), 14 (46.7%), and 18 (60.0%) patients, respectively.
• There was a significant difference between the HypoPT group and control participants in frequency of cognitive deficits in “attention and processing speed” (P P P = .058).

IN PRACTICE:

“Recognising the presence of cognitive impairment in patients with HypoPT is crucial in clinical settings to assess work ability, tailor interventions, adjust treatment strategies, and enhance overall patient care, ultimately improving quality of life and functional outcomes. Therefore, we suggest incorporating neuropsychological training into the treatment program of HypoPT patients as an integral component of comprehensive care to improve cognitive function and associated coping strategies for daily challenges. It is unknown if modern, more physiologic treatment options improve these aspects,” the authors wrote.

SOURCE:

Conducted by Adelina Tmava-Berisha, MD, of the Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapeutic Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria, and colleagues, the study published online on November 15, 2024, in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.

LIMITATIONS:

Relatively small and homogenous cohort, primarily women with predominantly post-surgical aetiology. Lack of precise information regarding dosage and duration of ongoing therapy. Absence of essential biochemical parameters, precluding analysis of correlations between these parameters and the participants’ cognitive performance.

DISCLOSURES: 

This project was financially supported by Shire International/Takeda Pharmaceuticals International. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.