New Study Finds Adults with ADHD Are at Higher Risk of Developing Dementia
A new study conducted by researchers from Israel and the United States has found that adults diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are almost three times more likely to develop dementia compared to those without the condition. The study followed 109,218 adults over a period of 17 years.
The researchers discovered that 13.2 percent of participants with ADHD developed dementia during the study, while only 7 percent of those without ADHD were diagnosed with the condition. After considering other potential factors and calculating a hazard ratio, the conclusion was that individuals with ADHD were 2.77 times more likely to develop dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease.
This study not only provides valuable insight into the neurological mechanisms that may contribute to dementia but also helps identify individuals who may be at a higher risk. The findings can be used to inform caregivers and clinicians, enabling them to take necessary precautions.
Neurologist Michal Schnaider Beeri from Rutgers University explains, “By determining if adults with ADHD are at higher risk for dementia and if medications and/or lifestyle changes can affect risks, the outcomes of this research can be used to better inform caregivers and clinicians.”
ADHD affects over 3 percent of adults in the US and is associated with attention, movement, and impulse control issues. The researchers believe that these related neurological processes may impact the brain’s ability to protect against cognitive decline later in life.
While the study does not prove a direct causal relationship between ADHD and dementia, it strongly suggests a connection. A monitoring system for ADHD symptoms in older adults should be implemented to ensure early detection and intervention.
Stephen Levine, a public health scientist from the University of Haifa in Israel, advises, “Symptoms of attention deficit and hyperactivity in old age shouldn’t be ignored and should be discussed with physicians.”
Treatment options for ADHD vary depending on the individual and their age, often involving a combination of medication and behavioral therapy. Interestingly, the study showed that individuals with ADHD who took psychostimulants were not statistically at a greater risk of developing dementia. This indicates the possibility that modifications to ADHD treatments could potentially lower the risk of dementia. However, further research on a larger scale is needed to confirm this hypothesis.
Abraham Reichenberg, a brain and behavior scientist at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, advises healthcare professionals and caregivers working with older adults to closely monitor ADHD symptoms and associated medications.
The research has been published in JAMA Network Open, providing a significant contribution to the understanding of ADHD’s potential link to dementia.