Dementia Risk More Than Quadruples Among Adults with ADHD, Study Finds

Adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may face a significantly higher Dementia Risk or mild cognitive impairment (MCI), according to a new study led by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.

The research examined health records and genetic information from more than 187,000 adults aged 50 and older who participated in the US National Institutes of Health’s All of Us Research Program. The findings, published on October 7 in JAMA Psychiatry, revealed a notable association between ADHD and cognitive impairment.

Researchers found that 6.7% of participants with ADHD had dementia or mild cognitive impairment, compared with 3.4% of those without the disorder. This represents nearly twice the observed rate of cognitive impairment among adults with ADHD.

After adjusting for age, gender and other health conditions, the researchers found that adults with ADHD had more than four times the risk of dementia or mild cognitive impairment.

Medical Records and Genetic Evidence

The researchers analysed both electronic health records and genetic information to examine the relationship between ADHD and cognitive decline. According to the study team, the findings from these two sources pointed towards a similar association, strengthening confidence that the observed relationship was not solely the result of differences in how ADHD is diagnosed.

Senior author Tharick A. Pascoal, an associate professor of psychiatry and neurology at the University of Pittsburgh, said the results do not establish that ADHD causes dementia. However, he noted that the consistency between medical records and genetic evidence supports further investigation into the relationship.

The findings raise questions about whether adults with ADHD may have specific vulnerabilities related to cognitive health as they age.

Researchers Caution Against Assuming Cause and Effect

Despite the strong association, the study has important limitations. As an observational study, it cannot establish that ADHD directly increases dementia risk or explain the mechanisms that might connect the two conditions.

Other factors may contribute to the relationship, and further research will be needed to understand the underlying causes.

The findings highlight the importance of investigating long-term cognitive health among adults with ADHD. Future studies could help determine whether particular biological, behavioural or health-related factors explain the association.

For now, researchers emphasise that the results indicate a link rather than proof of causation. Adults with ADHD should not interpret the findings as a prediction that they will develop dementia.

Also Read :- ADHD Often Looks Different in Women, Bringing Distinct Health Risks