THYROID-FUNCTION AND DYSFUNCTION IN THE E LDERLY

The consequences of aging function are appreciated in various ways. In fact most of the thyroid hormone abnormalities described in the elder ly are secondary to associated disease or treatments. Health and nutri tional status seem to be more determinant than age. However, there is an increased prevalence of dysthyroidism in the elderly. Symptoms may be misleading and induce severe general repercussions. Mild or occult forms of dysthyroidism characterized by abnormal TSH levels with norma l free thyroid hormone levels are not uncommon. Their clinical signifi cance and their prognosis without treatment are still unresolved. The frequency of dystrhyroidism during old age and tile possibility of a s pecific treatment may be in favour of a screening by a systematic TSH determination in elderly patients.