A recent study conducted by researchers at Rutgers University has revealed a concerning link between attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and an increased risk of developing dementia in adults. The study, published in JAMA Network Open, followed over 100,000 older adults in Israel over a period of 17 years to explore the potential connection between ADHD and dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease.
The findings of the study showed that adults with ADHD are nearly three times more likely to develop dementia compared to those without ADHD. This discovery highlights the need for greater attention to be given to ADHD symptoms in older adults and further exploration of treatments that might help mitigate the risk of developing dementia.
The prevalence of ADHD in the adult population of the United States is estimated to be over 3 percent, yet research on this particular group has been limited. By determining the potential risks of dementia in adults with ADHD and evaluating the effectiveness of treatments and lifestyle changes in reducing these risks, caregivers and clinicians can be better informed about the potential challenges faced by this population.
The researchers analyzed data from a national cohort study involving more than 100,000 participants who were followed from 2003 to 2020. They compared the occurrence of dementia among individuals with and without ADHD, taking into account other risk factors such as cardiovascular conditions. The study found that even after accounting for these risk factors, the presence of adult ADHD was still associated with a significantly higher risk of dementia.
The researchers suggest that ADHD in adults may contribute to a neurological process that impairs their ability to compensate for the effects of cognitive decline later in life. Therefore, physicians, clinicians, and caregivers working with older adults should be vigilant in monitoring ADHD symptoms and associated medications.
Furthermore, the study indicates that ADHD treatment involving the use of psychostimulants may help reduce the risk of dementia in adults with ADHD. Psychostimulants have been known to modify the trajectory of cognitive impairment. However, further research is needed to investigate the impact of medications on patients with ADHD and how they might affect the risk of developing dementia.
The findings of this study have significant implications for the understanding and management of ADHD in adults. By recognizing the increased risk of dementia in this population, healthcare professionals can provide better care and support to mitigate the potential consequences. The research also underscores the need for further studies to delve into potential treatments and interventions that could help reduce this risk and improve the long-term outcomes for adults with ADHD.
The reference for the study is “Adult Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and the Risk of Dementia” by Stephen Z. Levine, Anat Rotstein, Arad Kodesh, Sven Sandin, Brian K. Lee, Galit Weinstein, Michal Schnaider Beeri, and Abraham Reichenberg, published in JAMA Network Open on October 17, 2023. The study involved collaboration with researchers from the University of Haifa, Meuhedet Health Services, the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Karolinska Institutet in Sweden, and Drexel University.