ADHD linked to significantly higher risk of dementia and cognitive decline

A common neurodevelopmental disorder may be linked to dementia risk, a new study suggests.

Research conducted by the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, involving more than 187,000 adults ages 50 and older, found that ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) was associated with a significantly increased risk of dementia or mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

The observational study examined electronic health records and genetic information of participants enrolled in the U.S. National Institutes of Health’s All of Us research program.

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Cognitive impairment was observed in 6.7% of participants with ADHD compared to 3.4% without the disorder, almost twice the rate.

After 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 dementia risk, a new study suggests. (iStock)

The findings – published Oct. 7 in JAMA Psychiatry – only show an association and cannot determine that ADHD increases dementia risk, the researchers acknowledged.

“This does not prove that ADHD causes dementia, but seeing the same pattern appear independently in medical records and in people’s genes gives us greater confidence that the association is not simply an artifact of how ADHD is diagnosed,” lead author Tharick A. Pascoal, associate 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, people with the highest genetic susceptibility to ADHD had a 35% higher risk of dementia than 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,” Guilherme Bauer-Negrini, co-first author and postdoctoral associate in biomedical data science at Pitt, said in the release.

“It comes down to nature versus nurture, especially if we start at 50, instead of starting at 20.”

“With this type of data, we can begin to study what might be driving this association and whether any of these factors might be modified to promote healthier cognitive aging.”

Understanding the link

Dr. Elizabeth Landsverk, an expert in geriatric medicine and dementia with more than 20 years of experience treating patients with Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive decline, noted that people with ADHD may have more organizational difficulties, which could contribute to a higher risk of cognitive impairment, although neurological differences may also play a role.

“It might be harder for them to stay informed about their health issues and see a doctor,” Landsverk, a California-based doctor who is not involved in the study, told Fox News Digital.

Cognitive impairment was observed in 6.7% of participants with ADHD compared to 3.4% without the disorder, almost twice the rate. (iStock)

The study also found that people with ADHD had a 20% higher incidence of health resource use, she noted.

“I just signed up for Medicare, I know it’s really complicated: If you have trouble focusing and getting things done, you may not be able to get the resources you need,” Landsverk said. “You may not be able to go to the doctor. You may not be able to take care of your blood pressure. So there’s probably a correlation.”

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“It comes down to nature versus nurture, especially if we start at 50, instead of starting at 20.”

ADHD vs Dementia

It can be difficult to distinguish between ADHD and cognitive decline because some symptoms may overlap, according to Landsverk.

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“I imagine what it might look like,” she said. “You know, you don’t remember why you walked into a room. You don’t know where your keys are, you don’t remember the name of an actress.”

It is concerning if the individual has difficulty completing daily tasks, the expert noted.

The results only show an association and cannot determine that ADHD increases the risk of dementia, the researchers acknowledged. (Getty Images)

“You can’t pay your bills, you can’t take your medicine correctly, you can’t get to your appointments, you tell people you’re going to do things and then you don’t do it – that’s when you need to get checked out.”

Changes in judgment, mood or social behavior may be more suggestive of dementia than ADHD, Landsverk noted.

Reduce risk

Although the study found an association between ADHD and cognitive impairment, Landsverk emphasized that certain lifestyle behaviors can help people reduce their overall risk of dementia.

She highlighted that maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol, and maintaining physical activity were important modifiable factors, as were controlling blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes.

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“There’s a lot we can do,” Landsverk said, recommending a largely plant-based diet and at least 30 minutes of daily exercise.

Physical activity can also help improve mood and concentration, she added.

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Anyone experiencing persistent problems with memory, concentration, organization or managing daily tasks should consider seeing an expert for an evaluation, Landsverk advised.