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Parathyroid Hormone Levels and CognitionHyperparathyroidism is a well-recognized cause of impaired cognition due to hypercalcemia. However, recent studies have suggested that perhaps parathyroid hormone itself plays a role in cognition, especially executive dysfunction. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship of parathyroid hormone levels in a study cohort of elders with impaied cognition. Methods: Sixty community-living adults, 65 years of age and older, reported to Adult Protective Services for self-neglect and 55 controls matched (on age, ethnicity, gender and socio-economic status) consented and participated in this study. The research team conducted in-home comprehensive geriatric assessments which included the Mini-mental state exam (MMSE), the 15-item geriatric depression scale (GDS) , the Wolf-Klein clock test and a comprehensive nutritional panel, which included parathyroid hormone and ionized calcium. Students t tests and linear regression analyses were performed to assess for bivariate associations. Results: Self-neglecters (M = 73.73, sd=48.4) had significantly higher PTH levels compared to controls (M =47.59, sd=28.7; t=3.59, df=98.94, p<.01). There was no significant group difference in ionized calcium levels. Overall, PTH was correlated with the MMSE (r=-.323, p=.001). Individual regression analyses revealed a statistically significant correlation between PTH and MMSE in the self-neglect group (r=-.298, p=.024) and this remained significant after controlling for ionized calcium levels in the regression. No significant associations were revealed in the control group or among any of the other cognitive measures. Conclusion: Parathyroid hormone may be associated with cognitive performance.
Document ID
20090001238
Acquisition Source
Johnson Space Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Burnett, J.
(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Smith, S.M.
(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Aung, K.
(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Dyer, C.
(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Date Acquired
August 24, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 2009
Subject Category
Aerospace Medicine
Meeting Information
Meeting: American Geriatrics Society Annual Meeting
Location: Illinois
Country: United States
Start Date: April 29, 2009
End Date: May 3, 2009
Sponsors: American Geriatrics Society Annual Meeting
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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