Changes in cognitive function can be frightening, especially when you don’t know the cause. Patients with undiagnosed hyperparathyroidism commonly experience short-term memory loss and an inability to concentrate. Fortunately, symptoms often improve or go away with a proper hyperparathyroidism diagnosis and treatment.
Understanding Hyperparathyroidism and Its Neurological Impact
To establish the link between hyperparathyroidism and neurological conditions, we need to understand the function of the parathyroid gland. The four tiny parathyroid glands near the thyroid regulate blood calcium levels throughout the body. When calcium levels drop, the parathyroid glands produce the parathyroid hormone (PTH). This hormone tells the bones and kidneys to send more calcium into the bloodstream to normalize calcium levels.
When one or more parathyroid glands enlarge, they continuously secrete PTH, raising blood calcium to potentially dangerous levels. This condition is primary hyperparathyroidism, which can cause many symptoms, including cognitive decline. Secondary hyperparathyroidism occurs with another medical condition, like kidney failure, and can also cause cognitive issues.
The Connection Between Hyperparathyroidism and Neurology
Blood calcium is critical for many body systems and organs, including:
- Kidneys
- Blood vessels
- Muscles
- Bones
- Digestive system
- Nervous system
Normal parathyroid glands closely monitor and adjust blood calcium levels. When one or more parathyroid glands malfunction, changes to calcium can at first cause these organs to malfunction or function inefficiently, and over time cause severe damage to these systems and organs.
Every cell in our body uses calcium concentration changes between the inside and outside to perform functions important to the cell. So when the concentration of calcium on the outside of the cell & blood stream is higher then it should be, the cell doesn’t function properly.
Symptoms of Neurologic Disorders in Hyperparathyroidism Patient
High calcium caused by hyperparathyroidism can also affect the brain, leading to these symptoms:
- Brain fog
- Fatigue
- Confusion
- Difficulty concentrating
- Memory loss
Some studies also suggest a link between high PTH levels and cognitive decline with similar symptoms. Hyperparathyroid patients often have elevated PTH with increased calcium. Sleep problems, fatigue, and depression are additional symptoms of hyperparathyroidism that can impact cognitive function.
More than 80% of patients with hyperparathyroidism report concentration and memory problems. Sometimes mistaken for natural aging or dementia, simple blood testing will determine whether calcium and PTH levels could be causing the symptoms.
Hyperparathyroidism and Brain Function: Impact on Memory
The first symptoms patients often notice with hyperparathyroidism are fatigue and memory issues, which they usually describe as “brain fog.” Unfortunately, these symptoms can be attributed to many medical conditions, making it difficult to pinpoint a diagnosis. Researchers recommend physicians check patients presenting with vague neurological or cognitive symptoms for hyperparathyroidism if no other cause is clear.
Hyperparathyroidism and Psychology: Impact on Mental Health
The link between the parathyroid and memory isn’t the only one. An abnormal parathyroid gland affects the central and peripheral nervous system, which can lead to psychiatric symptoms such as irritability, anxiety, and depression. Nearly three-fourths of patients diagnosed with hyperparathyroidism experience depression, and more than two-thirds report symptoms of anxiety. Fatigue and memory loss can also exacerbate psychiatric symptoms.
Diagnosing Neurological Disorders in Hyperparathyroidism Patients
General practitioners often face challenges linking hyperparathyroidism and neurological conditions. A physician specializing in parathyroid disorders is more likely to recognize the link. In addition to cognitive decline, hyperparathyroidism patients may report the following symptoms:
- Fatigue
- Bone and joint pain
- Muscle aches
- Headaches
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain
- Urinary incontinence
- Kidney stones
These vague symptoms may not point directly to hyperparathyroidism, but an expert will consider the possibility when other tests have not been conclusive. The first diagnostic test is a blood test to check calcium, PTH, and Vitamin D levels. In most cases, patients with hyperparathyroidism will have elevated levels of calcium and PTH. In a normal parathyroid environment calcium and PTH act inversely towards each other, meaning when calcium is low PTH will be high and vice versa. However, a small percentage of people with hyperparathyroidism may have only one abnormal level while the other is normal, this called normohormonal hyperparathyroidism or normocalcemic hyperparathyroidism
A 24-hour urine collection evaluates kidney function by looking for calcium, creatinine, and other waste substances. These results let your doctor know if a kidney disorder may be causing hyperparathyroidism. Additional blood testing for vitamin D, phosphorus, and magnesium levels provides further clues about hyperparathyroidism.
If a hyperthyroid diagnosis is made based on these tests, your doctor can perform a scan to determine which parathyroid gland requires treatment. A scan takes place before hyperparathyroid treatment, which is usually surgery.
Managing Hyperparathyroidism and Cognitive Decline
If hyperparathyroidism is left untreated, symptoms like cognitive decline can worsen. Unchecked hyperparathyroidism can lead to severe medical conditions, including:
- Ongoing memory loss and cognitive decline
- Worsening anxiety and depression symptoms
- Bone weakening, leading to osteoporosis
- High blood pressure from stiffening in the vessels
- Heart rhythm abnormalities and palpitations
- Kidney stones and kidney disease
Hyperparathyroidism can even increase your risk of some cancers and shorten your life expectancy. Fortunately, a minimally invasive surgery known as a parathyroidectomy restores healthy PTH and calcium levels naturally and reverses most symptoms.
Struggling with Brain Fog and Memory Loss? Schedule Your Consultation Today
Hyperparathyroidism can be challenging to identify, leaving some patients struggling without explanations for their brain fog and memory loss. Dr. Larian is a parathyroid expert who diagnoses and treats hyperparathyroidism daily. His minimally invasive surgery is a quick, outpatient procedure that removes defective parathyroid glands to reverse the disease. Contact our office to schedule your consultation with Dr. Larian, or book your appointment online today.
