Hypothyroidism producing reversible dementia. A challenge for medical rehabilitation.

Abstract

The evaluation of dementia for reversible causes should not be overlooked. Hypothyroidism is a reversible cause for dementia. Mental status is one of the important factors to be assessed prospectively to determine whether a patient is likely to benefit from intensive inpatient rehabilitation. Because of the negative effect of dementia on the learning process during intensive inpatient medical rehabilitation, it alone may be a sufficient reason to consider alternatives to intensive inpatient rehabilitation. On our rehabilitation unit, hypothyroidism causing confusion was recognized and corrected in two patients. The thyroid-stimulating hormone test is suggested as a screening tool.