The risk of dementia in adults with the common disorder more than quadruples
A University of Pittsburgh study of 187,000 people found that adults with ADHD were more than four times more likely to develop dementia or mild cognitive impairment.
Dr. dismisses ADHD's potential association with dementia and cognitive decline
Dr. Elizabeth Landsverk, a geriatrics and dementia specialist, noted that people with ADHD may have more trouble organizing, which could be one of the factors contributing to the increased risk of cognitive impairment.
A common neurodevelopmental disorder may be linked to an increased risk of dementia, a new study suggests.
Research conducted by the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, which included more than 187,000 adults age 50 and older, found that ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) was associated with a significantly increased risk of dementia or mild cognitive impairment (MCI).
This observational study examined the electronic health records and genetic information of participants enrolled in a US National Institutes of Health research program.
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Cognitive impairment was seen in 6.7% of participants with ADHD versus 3.4% without the disorder—almost double the rate.
After the researchers adjusted for age, gender and other health conditions, people with ADHD had more than four times the risk.
A common neurodevelopmental disorder may be linked to an increased risk of dementia, a new study suggests. (iStock)
The researchers acknowledged that the findings -- published Oct. 7 in JAMA Psychiatry -- show only an association and cannot determine that ADHD increases the risk of dementia.
"This does not prove that ADHD causes dementia, but seeing the same independent pattern in people's medical records and genes gives us more confidence that the association is not simply an artifact of how ADHD is diagnosed," senior author Tharick A. Pascoal, assistant professor of psychiatry and neurology at Pitt, said in a press release.
"Two different types of evidence point in the same direction."
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Meanwhile, those with the highest genetic predisposition to ADHD had a 35 percent higher risk of dementia than those with the least susceptibility.
"Analyzing genetic information alongside years of health records allows us to identify patterns that might not be visible in a smaller or more traditional study," Guilherme Bauer-Negrini, first author and postdoctoral associate professor of biomedical data science at Pitt, said in the release.
"It comes down to nature versus nurture — especially if we start at age 50 versus 20."
With this type of data, we can investigate what might be driving this association and whether any of these factors can be modified to support healthier cognitive aging.
Dr. Elizabeth Landserek, a geriatrics and dementia specialist with more than 20 years of experience treating patients with Alzheimer's and cognitive decline, noted that people with ADHD can have more difficulty organizing, which could contribute to a higher risk of cognitive impairment, although neurological differences may also play a role.
Cognitive impairment was seen in 6.7% of participants with ADHD versus 3.4% without the disorder—almost double the rate. (iStock)
He noted: This study also showed that people with ADHD use 20% more health resources.
"I just signed up for Medicare, I know it's really complicated — if you're having trouble concentrating and getting things done, you may not be able to get the resources you need," Landsverk said. You may not be able to see a doctor. You may not monitor your blood pressure. So there is probably a connection.
According to Landsverk, distinguishing between ADHD and cognitive decline can be challenging because some symptoms may overlap.
"I imagine it could look similar," he said. "You know, you don't remember why you went into a room. You don't know where your key is, you don't remember the name of an actor."
This expert noted that if a person struggles to perform daily tasks, there is cause for concern.
"You can't pay your bills, you can't get your medication right, you can't go to your appointments, you tell people you're going to do things and then you don't — that's when you need to get checked out."
Changes in judgment, mood, or social behavior may be more indicative of dementia than ADHD, Landserk noted.
However, this inter-Landsverk study emphasized that certain lifestyle behaviors can help people reduce their overall risk of dementia.
He mentioned maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol, and physical activity as important factors that can be changed, along with controlling blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes.
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"There's a lot we can do," Landserk said, recommending a mostly plant-based diet and at least 30 minutes of daily exercise.
He added that physical activity can also help improve mood and focus.
Anyone with persistent problems with memory, concentration, organization or managing everyday tasks should see a specialist for evaluation, Landsverk advised.
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