Adults diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) face nearly three times the risk of developing dementia compared to those without the condition, according to a recent study. This study, conducted in 2022, highlights the increased risk of dementia and mild cognitive impairment among individuals with ADHD. Notably, even after accounting for other dementia risk factors such as cardiovascular disease, adults with ADHD displayed a 2.77-fold heightened risk of developing this cognitive disorder.
Dementia, characterized by impairments in cognitive functions that affect daily living, encompasses a collection of symptoms rather than a specific disease. A national cohort study involving over 109,000 participants, born between 1933 and 1952, provided evidence linking ADHD to dementia. This study followed participants from 2003 to 2020, revealing that 730 individuals (0.7%) were diagnosed with adult ADHD, while more than 7,700 (7%) received a dementia diagnosis during the follow-up period.
The precise reasons for the connection between adult ADHD and dementia remain elusive. However, previous research indicates that approximately 5% of children with ADHD continue to meet the criteria for ADHD in adulthood, accounting for about 3% of all adult ADHD cases. Adults with ADHD often struggle with impulse control, which may lead to unhealthy lifestyle choices, further increasing their dementia risk.
A 2023 study identified ADHD as a less common but possible contributor to cognitive impairments such as dementia. Notably, dementia occurred in 13% of adults with ADHD compared to 7% of those without the condition. A longitudinal cohort study spanning four decades provided supporting evidence of an association between adult ADHD and dementia. However, it is crucial to note that while the study established a link between these conditions, it does not assert that ADHD directly causes dementia.
The research utilized data from a national cohort study to delve deeper into the relationship between dementia and ADHD. Conducted in Israel, the study followed over 109,000 older adults to ascertain whether those with ADHD were at an increased risk for dementia, including Alzheimer's disease.
"Understanding such links may help us both focus prevention strategies on high-risk populations and shed light into novel mechanisms connecting between the two conditions," said Michal Schnaider Beeri, PhD.
The connection between ADHD and dementia may stem from several factors. Adults with ADHD may exhibit poor dietary habits and lack exercise. These lifestyle choices can lead to obesity and hypertension, both of which are known contributors to dementia risk.
"This can include poor dietary habits and lack of exercise, obesity and hypertension, all of which contribute to dementia risk," Beeri stated.
Moreover, it is conceivable that the neurobiology of ADHD contributes to compromised brain and cognitive reserve, potentially increasing dementia risk in older age.
"In addition, it is conceivable that the neurobiology of ADHD contributes to compromised brain and cognitive reserve, increasing dementia risk in old age,” Beeri explained.
While the study draws attention to the relationship between ADHD and dementia, it stops short of establishing causation. The findings underscore the importance of continued research to explore potential biological mechanisms that may link these conditions.
"Based on our findings, we can only state that there is a relationship between ADHD and dementia,” Beeri emphasized.
The study also observed little evidence of reverse causation, suggesting that if there is a biological connection, it is more likely that ADHD could lead to dementia rather than the reverse.
"Little evidence of reverse causation suggests that, if biologically connected, ADHD might lead to dementia rather than the other way around,” Beeri noted.
Further research is necessary to uncover potential common biological mechanisms between ADHD and dementia. This research could pave the way for novel prevention strategies targeting high-risk populations.
"Further research is necessary to explore potential common biological mechanisms between ADHD and dementia,” Beeri stated.
In addition to ongoing research efforts, clinical trials are needed to investigate whether psychostimulants can reduce the risk of dementia in older adults who have a history of ADHD.
"Additionally, clinical trials are needed to investigate whether psychostimulants can reduce dementia risk in older adults with a history of ADHD,” Beeri concluded.
Leave a Reply