Ageing is associated with the gradual, functional reduction of a
number of organs, including some endocrine glands (i.e. the
thyroid).
to identify the clinical conditions derived from these progressive
modifications can be very difficult for the frequent observation of
unclear, ambiguous signs and symptoms, usually interpreted as part
of the physiological ageing process. the classical clinical aspects
may be mixed up with the coexistence of several confounding factors,
such acute and chronic illness and drug therapies.
thyroid diseases are highly prevalent in the elderly and present
some certain features; interestingly, the subclinical thyroid dysfunctions
require major attentions in this specific category of patients,
elderly people, because they are often associated with significant
morbidity