Partial withdrawal of levothyroxine treated disease leads to brain activations and effects on performance in a working memory task: A pilot study

• DOI: 10.1111/jne.12707
• Publication Date: 2019-03-15T17:02:00Z
• Authors: Anna Göbel; Marcus Heldmann; Martin Göttlich; René Goerges; Relana Nieberding; Alexander Sartorius; Georg Brabant; Thomas F. Münte
• Keywords: Levothyroxine; Subclinical infection

Hypothyroidism is associated with memory impairments. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of partial withdrawal levothyroxine on working tasks and brain function. Fifteen subjects under long‐term substitution as a result complete hypothyroidism participated in study. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed using task (n‐back task) neuropsychological tests were before 52‐54 days after induction subclinical by reducing pretest dosage 30%. Reaction time significantly longer less accurate respect solving tasks. MRI revealed significant activation changes medication cerebellum, insula, parietal, frontal, temporal occipital lobes, lingual gyrus, cuneus. Partial may lead deficits an areas ability.