# Thyroid Hormone Action in Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias

> **NIH NIH R01** · JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY · 2024 · $818,647

## Abstract

Abstract:
Thyroid hormone is among the most common prescriptions in the United States.
Up to 20% of those on therapy are on doses which suppress the normal pituitary
feedback system and result in a low thyrotropin (TSH) level, a sign of excess
hormone. We have recently found that a low TSH is associated with an increased
risk of a later diagnosis of cognitive disorder. This proposal aims to understand
whether excess thyroid hormone is a preventable risk factor for Alzheimer's
disease and related dementias. We will look at the relationship over time
between thyroid hormone therapy, hormone levels, and dementia in several
different large groups of patients. Our goals include identifying those who may be
particularly vulnerable to excess thyroid hormone. This work is important
because thyroid hormone is frequently prescribed to those with dementia and,
with millions of older adults at risk, even simple changes to appropriately
prescribe thyroid hormone could have important public health benefits.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10944810
- **Project number:** 1R01AG088251-01
- **Recipient organization:** JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Jennifer Sophie Mammen
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $818,647
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2024-09-01 → 2029-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10944810

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10944810, Thyroid Hormone Action in Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (1R01AG088251-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10944810. Licensed CC0.

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