Adults with ADHD face more than four times the risk of developing dementia or mild cognitive impairment, according to a recent study from the University of Pittsburgh involving over 187,000 participants.
A new study from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine suggests a significant link between attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and an increased risk of dementia. The research, which analyzed data from over 187,000 adults aged 50 and older, found that individuals with ADHD are more than four times as likely to experience dementia or mild cognitive impairment (MCI) compared to those without the disorder.
The observational study utilized electronic health records and genetic information from participants enrolled in the U.S. National Institutes of Health All of Us Research Program. The findings, published on October 7 in JAMA Psychiatry, indicated that cognitive impairment was observed in 6.7% of participants with ADHD, compared to 3.4% among those without the disorder, nearly doubling the rate of cognitive issues.
After adjusting for variables such as age, gender, and other health conditions, researchers confirmed that individuals with ADHD had a more than fourfold increase in the risk of developing dementia or MCI. However, the authors noted that while the study shows a strong association, it does not establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship between ADHD and dementia.
“This doesn’t prove that ADHD causes dementia, but seeing the same pattern show up independently in medical records and in people’s genes gives us greater confidence that the association is not simply an artifact of how ADHD gets diagnosed,” said Tharick A. Pascoal, the study’s senior author and an associate professor of psychiatry and neurology at the University of Pittsburgh.
The study also revealed that individuals with the highest genetic susceptibility to ADHD had a 35% greater risk of developing dementia compared to those with the lowest 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,” said Guilherme Bauer-Negrini, co-first author and postdoctoral associate in biomedical data science at Pitt.
Experts suggest that the challenges faced by individuals with ADHD, such as difficulties with organization and focus, may contribute to their increased risk of cognitive decline. Dr. Elizabeth Landsverk, a geriatric medicine and dementia expert with over 20 years of experience treating patients with Alzheimer’s and cognitive decline, noted that these difficulties can hinder individuals from managing their health effectively.
“It might be that keeping on top of health issues and getting to the doctor is more difficult for them,” Landsverk explained. She pointed out that the study found a 20% higher incidence of health resource utilization among those with ADHD, which could be indicative of their struggles with organization and focus.
“Having just signed up for Medicare, I know that it’s really complicated — if you have trouble with focusing and getting things done, you may not be able to get the resources that you need,” she added. “You may not be able to go to the doctor. You may not get your blood pressure taken care of. So there’s probably a correlation.”
Distinguishing between ADHD and cognitive decline can be challenging, as some symptoms may overlap. “You know, you don’t remember why you went into a room. You don’t know where your keys are, you don’t remember the name of an actress,” Landsverk said. She emphasized that it becomes a concern when individuals struggle with daily tasks, such as paying bills or managing medications.
Changes in judgment, mood, or social behavior may be more indicative of dementia than ADHD, according to Landsverk. Despite the study’s findings linking ADHD to cognitive impairment, she highlighted that certain lifestyle behaviors can help mitigate overall dementia risk. Maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, and staying physically active are crucial modifiable factors, along with managing blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes.
“There’s a lot we can do,” Landsverk said, recommending a largely plant-based diet and at least 30 minutes of daily exercise. She noted that physical activity can also enhance mood and focus.
For anyone experiencing persistent issues with memory, focus, organization, or managing everyday tasks, Landsverk advised seeking an expert evaluation to address these concerns.
These findings underscore the importance of understanding the potential cognitive risks associated with ADHD and the need for further research to explore the underlying factors that may contribute to this association, according to Fox News.