Adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is frequently misunderstood, leading to misconceptions about individuals who struggle with it. They are often perceived as quirky, disorganized, creative, or forgetful. Unfortunately, many people go undiagnosed and untreated for their entire lives.
However, new research is shedding light on the potential consequences of adult ADHD. A study published in JAMA Network Open suggests that adults diagnosed with ADHD may be more likely to develop dementia later in life. The study found that being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult was associated with a 2.77-fold increased risk of dementia.
While the study only shows an association and does not prove causation, it does suggest that individuals with ADHD may have more difficulty with normal brain aging. This highlights the importance of seeking care and further research in this area. Treatment with psychostimulant medications may help mitigate the risk, along with lifestyle changes like getting better sleep and staying socially engaged.
The study analyzed the electronic health records of 109,218 Israeli adults aged 51 to 70 years old who had no existing diagnosis of ADHD or dementia at the beginning of the study. Researchers found that those with adult ADHD had a higher risk of developing dementia compared to those without ADHD. Interestingly, adults with ADHD who were taking psychostimulant medications did not have an increased risk of dementia.
One strength of the research is that it accounted for 18 other potentially confounding factors, such as smoking and comorbid health conditions. Even after controlling for these factors, the increased risk of developing dementia remained for those with adult ADHD.
While this study focused on older adults, it is important to note that childhood ADHD and adult ADHD may not be the same condition. About half of children with ADHD continue to have the condition in adulthood, and further research is needed to understand the link between childhood ADHD and dementia.
It is clear that more research into adult ADHD is needed, as it is often underdiagnosed and understudied. Understanding the potential biological mechanisms behind the link between ADHD and dementia may help shed light on how to mitigate the risk.
In the meantime, there are lifestyle changes individuals can make to reduce their risk of dementia, whether they have ADHD or not. These include addressing modifiable factors like hearing loss, excessive alcohol intake, and smoking. Engaging in physical activity, getting enough restorative sleep, following a healthy diet, and staying socially engaged can also make a big difference.
While it can be worrisome to think about developing dementia, it is essential to remember that not everyone with ADHD will develop it. Taking care of one’s overall health and brain health can significantly reduce the risk. If you have any questions about human behavior or neuroscience, you can email [email protected] for a chance to have your question answered in a future column.
