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Link Between ADHD and Early-Onset Dementia
A growing body of research is shedding light on a potential connection between attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and an increased risk of early-onset dementia. A preliminary study conducted by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh suggests that individuals diagnosed with ADHD during childhood may be more prone to developing cognitive decline earlier in life than those without the condition.
The study focused on a group of individuals who were diagnosed with ADHD as children in the 1980s and 1990s. These participants were followed into adulthood, and many are now in their 40s. The findings revealed that adults with ADHD performed worse on cognitive tests that assess executive function, complex task management, word recall, and working memory. Additionally, they exhibited higher levels of toxic proteins associated with Alzheimer’s disease, which is the most common form of dementia affecting millions of people in the United States.
The researchers emphasized that the study’s results are particularly significant because the participants were all under 50, indicating a possible early onset of the condition. While the exact causes of this elevated risk remain unclear, the team proposed several possibilities. One theory is that individuals with ADHD may have a reduced brain capacity to cope with age-related degeneration. Another factor could be the higher prevalence of conditions such as diabetes and obesity—both known risk factors for dementia—in ADHD populations.
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by difficulties with focus, impulse control, and energy levels. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately one in 10 children in the U.S. has been diagnosed with ADHD, totaling around 7 million children. The condition also affects about 15.5 million adults.
The study involved 25 participants who were part of the Pittsburgh ADHD Longitudinal Study (PALS) between 1987 and 1996. These individuals were observed during an eight-week summer camp and diagnosed with ADHD. They were then tracked throughout their lives. The average age of the participants was 44, and 80% were men.
Blood tests were conducted to measure levels of amyloid and tau proteins, which are linked to the development of Alzheimer’s disease. These proteins accumulate in the brain and can lead to the formation of plaques that destroy brain cells. The tests also evaluated markers of inflammation and cardiovascular disease, which can impair blood flow and damage blood vessels.
Participants with ADHD scored lower on tests measuring executive function and processing speed, which relate to how the brain handles problem-solving and information processing. They also demonstrated weaker performance on working memory tests and recalled fewer words compared to individuals without ADHD.
One of the most surprising findings was the presence of higher levels of dementia-causing proteins in the blood samples of ADHD patients, suggesting early signs of Alzheimer’s disease. Dr. Brooke Molina, a study author and director of the Youth and Family Research Program at the University of Pittsburgh, highlighted the significance of these results during a conference presentation. She noted, “We found bigger differences than we expected to see at this age. Remember, the mean age is 44 and it’s a fairly tight age range. These are all individuals in their early to mid-40s.”
Molina added, “We are seeing elevated Alzheimer’s disease risk. What’s going to happen with that as they age?”
Although the exact reasons for the increased risk remain unknown, the researchers suggested that individuals with ADHD may have a diminished “brain reserve.” This means their brain’s ability to compensate for age-related changes or neurodegenerative processes is limited, making them more susceptible to dementia.
Dr. Molina also pointed out that people with ADHD are at a higher risk of vascular conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity. These conditions may be influenced by stimulant medications commonly used to treat ADHD, as well as lifestyle factors.
The study’s small sample size was identified as a major limitation, prompting the researchers to continue recruiting for larger-scale experiments. Dr. Molina stated, “There is lots more that we can do once we finish collecting the data.”
