Scientists have identified Non-Thyroidal Illness Syndrome (NTIS) as one of the most significant causes of cognitive dysfunction. The thyroid gland produces hormones critical to every cell in the body, especially the brain. In NTIS the problem is not the thyroid itself but in the signals coming from the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland in the brain. In NTIS those signals are diminished; it’s as if the body is going into low gear. The body does this when in states of protracted health issues such as depression, anxiety, gastrointestinal and microbiome dysfunction or chronic inflammation. In NTIS there is a deficiency of thyroid hormone in the brain which, over time, can lead to neurological changes including dementia.nNot only have scientists identified NTIS as a contributing factor to neurological decline, but there is also have a test for it. Scientists have found that the TRH Stimulation test is able to detect NTIS even when routine thyroid tests will come back with a “normal” result. The TRH Stimulation used to be administered routinely; but for various reasons, unfortunately only a few practices now offer it, and most of them are doing it for research purposes. The Kellman Center offers this critical test in our Manhattan practice because we understand its life-changing potential.
A number of studies have concluded that based on this test many people with dementia and cognitive decline suffer from NTIS. And by treating with thyroid hormone, patients with dementia can improve.
I have diagnosed and treated many patients with cognitive decline, dementia, Alzheimer’s, and I have seen the results firsthand. While everyone’s waiting for that magic bullet, a very different approach is already beginning to take shape to help so many people. Our results are showing that a whole different way of approaching cognitive decline is necessary in order to cure this ravaging epidemic.