Serial assessment of serum calcium correlates with mental state

Abstract

Serial assessment of cognitive state using clinical and psychometric instruments correlated closely with serum calcium in an elderly woman with hyperparathyroidism. 'Medical parathyroidectomy' was associated with biochemical and clinical improvement but was not sustained. Following surgical removal of a parathyroid adenoma her serum calcium and her cognitive state returned to normal.

Chronic Hypercalcemia as a Reversible Cause of Cognitive Impairment: Improvement After a Single Administration of Pamidronate

“…To the Editor: Persistent elevations in serum calcium levels secondary to primary hyperparathyroidism cause neuropsychiatric symptoms, including confusion, alterations in mental status, delirium, and dementia 1–3 . In fact, hypercalcemia has been considered a reversible cause of dementia 2 that can be corrected after parathyroidectomy 1 .…”

“…To the Editor: Persistent elevations in serum calcium levels secondary to primary hyperparathyroidism cause neuropsychiatric symptoms, including confusion, alterations in mental status, delirium, and dementia 1–3 . In fact, hypercalcemia has been considered a reversible cause of dementia 2 that can be corrected after parathyroidectomy 1 . Although recent reports support the medical approach toward primary hyperparathyroidism as an alternative to surgery, 4 there are no reports that demonstrate cognitive improvement after medical correction of this disorder.…”