Cerebellar Structural Alterations and The Associations with Cognitive and Emotional Impairments in Adult-onset Hypothyroidism

Motivation: The relationship between cerebellar structural damage and cognitive or emotional abnormalities in adult-onset hypothyroidism remains unclear. This study aims to enhance our understanding of these connections to better elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Goal(s): To investigate the effects of adult-onset hypothyroidism on cerebellar structure using MRI and correlate these changes with cognitive and emotional impairments. Approach: We employed voxel-based morphometry (VBM) and structural covariance networks (SCNs) to assess cerebellar structural changes. Results: Significant alterations in cerebellar gray matter, especially in posterior regions, were observed. These changes correlate with cognitive and emotional deficits and variations in thyroid hormone levels. Impact: This research provides insights into the cerebellum's role in hypothyroidism, emphasizing the importance of thyroid hormones for cognitive and emotional health.