Dementia is a condition marked by significant cognitive decline that disrupts daily functioning. It is a major contributor to disability and death worldwide. As of 2022, it was estimated that 6.5 million Americans aged 65 and older were living with dementia, a number projected to more than double to 13.8 million by 2060. Consequently, pinpointing risk factors and preventive measures for dementia has become a global health imperative.
In this comprehensive study involving 109,218 participants observed over up to 17.2 years, and after adjusting for 18 possible confounding factors, the primary analysis revealed that a diagnosis of adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) was linked to an almost threefold increase in the risk of developing dementia. Further analyses supported the main finding, suggesting it remains robust under various analytical conditions. This discovery underscores the importance for policymakers, caregivers, patients, and healthcare providers to consider ADHD as a significant concern in older populations, advocating for diligent monitoring and management strategies to address this risk.
More information: Stephen Z. Levine et al, Adult Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and the Risk of Dementia, JAMA Network Open. DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.38088
Journal information: JAMA Network Open Provided by JAMA Network
