ADHD Linked to Significantly Higher Risk of Dementia, Study Finds
New research suggests individuals with ADHD may be up to four times more likely to develop memory problems later in life.
People diagnosed with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) may face a substantially increased risk of developing dementia and other memory-related issues in old age, according to a comprehensive decade-long study.
The research, conducted by scientists at the University of Pittsburgh, tracked 187,341 older adults and found that those with an ADHD diagnosis were nearly twice as likely to develop memory problems compared to their peers without the disorder.
When the analysis accounted for age differences, the increased risk of memory problems rose to four-fold. Specifically, the risk of developing a dementia diagnosis was three-fold higher for individuals with ADHD. Mild cognitive impairment, which can precede dementia, was also more prevalent in the ADHD group.
These findings held true even after researchers adjusted for various confounding factors such as other physical and mental health conditions, education levels, smoking habits, and healthcare utilization. The study was published in the journal JAMA Psychiatry.
While the observational nature of the study means it cannot definitively prove that ADHD causes dementia, the researchers concluded that their findings "support ADHD as a relevant factor in later-life cognitive health." One hypothesis suggests that ADHD may lead to lower "cognitive reserve"—the brain's ability to cope with damage or aging—due to its impact on focus and memory. Another theory posits that ADHD could increase exposure to cumulative risk factors for cognitive impairment, including chronic stress, sleep disturbances, physical inactivity, poor diet, and substance use.
This is not the first study to suggest a link between ADHD and dementia. Separate research published in 2023 in JAMA Network Open also indicated an almost three-fold greater risk of dementia in adults diagnosed with ADHD.
The connection between physical and brain health is well-established, with a healthy lifestyle being a known factor in reducing dementia risk. Recommendations from the NHS include a balanced diet, regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, managing blood pressure, and moderating alcohol consumption.
Globally, dementia affects millions and is a leading cause of death. In England alone, nearly one million people are living with dementia, which contributes to approximately 76,000 deaths annually. ADHD diagnoses have also seen a significant rise, with figures showing a 20-fold increase in diagnoses over two decades in England, where an estimated 2.5 million people are believed to have the disorder.