Dementia risk more than quadruples among adults with common disorder
“With this kind of data, we can start to investigate what may be driving this association and whether any of those factors could be modified to support healthier cognitive aging.”
Understanding the link
Dr. Elizabeth Landsverk, a geriatric medicine and dementia expert with over 20 years of experience treating patients with Alzheimer’s and cognitive decline, noted that people with ADHD can have more difficulty with organization, which could contribute to the higher risk of cognitive impairment, although neurological differences may also play a role.
“It might [be] that keeping on top of health issues and getting to the doctor is more difficult for them,” 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 versus 3.4% without the disorder — nearly twice the rate. (iStock)
The study also found that people with ADHD had a 20% higher incidence of utilizing health resources, she pointed out.
“Having just signed up for Medicare, I know that it’s really complicated — if you have trouble with focusing and getting things done, you may not be able to get the resources that you need,” Landsverk said. “You may not be able to go to the doctor. You may not get your blood pressure taken care of. So there’s probably a correlation.”
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“It goes back to nature versus nurture — particularly if we’re starting at age 50, as opposed to starting at 20.”
ADHD vs dementia
It can be challenging to distinguish between ADHD and cognitive decline, as some of the symptoms may overlap, according to Landsverk.
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“I imagine it can look similar,” she said. “You know, you don’t remember why you went into a room. You don’t know where your keys are, you don’t remember the name of an actress.”
It is cause for concern if the individual struggles to take care of day-to-day tasks, the expert noted.
The findings only show an association and cannot determine that ADHD increases dementia risk, the researchers acknowledged. (Getty Images)
“You can’t pay your bills, you can’t get your medications right, you can’t get to your appointments, you tell people that you’re going to do stuff and then you don’t — that’s when you need to get checked.”
Changes in judgment, mood or social behavior may be more suggestive of dementia than ADHD, Landsverk noted.
Reducing the risk
Although the study found an association between ADHD and cognitive impairment, Landsverk emphasized that some lifestyle behaviors can help people reduce their overall dementia risk.
She pointed to maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol, and staying physically active as important modifiable factors, along with 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 focus, she added.
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Anyone experiencing persistent problems with memory, focus, organization or managing everyday tasks should consider seeing an expert for an evaluation, Landsverk advised.
Melissa Rudy is senior health editor and a member of the lifestyle team at Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to melissa.rudy@fox.com.
Article source: https://www.foxnews.com/health/dementia-risk-quadruples-adults-common-disorder