ADHD & Dementia: Is There a Link?

ADHD is often thought of as a childhood condition, but for many, it carries on well into adulthood and even later life. Recently, researchers have begun exploring whether there is a link between ADHD and an increased risk of developing dementia later in life. Below, we will take a closer look at what we know so far.

Does ADHD Increase Your Risk of Dementia?

New research findings suggest that adults with ADHD have similar brain changes to those seen in individuals with dementia. Specifically, ADHD patients were shown to have higher levels of iron accumulating in certain areas of their brain, as well as increased levels of neurofilaments in their blood, which is also seen in dementias, such as Alzheimer’s disease.

Building on this, a large study tracking over 100,000 adults for more than 17 years found that those diagnosed with ADHD were nearly three times more likely to develop dementia later in life. 

While these findings don’t mean that everyone with ADHD will get dementia, they do suggest that there might be a higher risk as people with ADHD get older. It also highlights the importance of supporting our brain health as we age.

How to Support Brain Health if You Have ADHD

Whether you have ADHD or not, there are many ways to support your brain health as you age. Here are a few simple ones that anyone can do:

• Stay physically active: Regular exercise can boost blood flow to your brain and balance the release of important brain chemicals.
• Eat a balanced diet: Try to limit processed foods and sugary snacks and instead fill your diet with lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats.
• Limit stress: Use calming techniques, such as mindfulness meditation and yoga, to keep stress at bay. 
• Get plenty of sleep: Sleep helps your brain to rest and recover, so make sure you have an effective bedtime routine in place.
• Challenge your brain: An active brain is a healthy brain. So, challenge your brain as much as possible by reading, learning new skills, or doing regular strategic puzzles.
• Stay Connected: Spending time with family and friends helps to keep your brain sharp and supports your emotional well-being.

When to Seek Professional Help

At Pathways Neuropsychology Associates, we offer ADHD coaching and thorough evaluations to help identify ADHD early and get you the support you need. We also provide dementia and Alzheimer’s screenings because catching these issues early is key to managing symptoms and reducing long-term risks. Contact us today to find out more. 

At Pathways Neuropsychology Associates we use evidence-based evaluation instruments and treatments to get you, your loved one, or your child on the path to success. If you or someone you love are struggling with the symptoms of ADHD, call now and get started!

• ADHD Evaluations
• ADHD Coaching
• Alzheimers & Dementia Screening