Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

'Adults with ADHD have threefold increased risk of developing dementia'

Researchers arrived at this conclusion after studying a cohort of over 100,000 participants for a period spanning 17 years

'Adults with ADHD have threefold increased risk of developing dementia'

Researchers have discovered that adults diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are nearly three times more likely to develop dementia compared to individuals without the mental disorder.

Researchers from Israel, Sweden, and the US have indicated that adults with ADHD experience a neurological process that hampers their ability to compensate for the effects of cognitive decline in later life. They arrived at this conclusion after studying a cohort of over 100,000 participants for a period spanning 17 years.


Further, less cognitive and brain reserve may result in neurological processes of ADHD that, in turn, reduce compensatory abilities, they said in their study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Network Open.

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by inability to pay attention for longer periods, hyperactivity, and impulsive behaviour. Previous studies have reported evidence of adult-onset ADHD, saying that 5 per cent of children with ADHD meet ADHD criteria in adulthood and constitute 3 per cent of adult ADHD cases.

Studies also show that child and adult ADHD present different social, psychological, and genetic profiles. Despite being distinct from childhood ADHD, little is known about adult ADHD, the researchers said.

"By determining if adults with ADHD are at higher risk for dementia and if medications and/or lifestyle changes can affect risks, the outcomes of this research can be used to better inform caregivers and clinicians," said study author Michal Schnaider Beeri from the Brain Health Institute (BHI) of Rutgers University, US.

In this study, they used data from a national cohort study consisting of 1,09,218 members of an Israeli nonprofit health maintenance organisation born between 1933 and 1952 (aged 51-70 years).

They entered the cohort on January 1, 2003, without an ADHD or dementia diagnosis and were followed up to February 28, 2020. Of the group, 51.7 per cent were female and 48.3 per cent were male.

During the follow-up, the researchers found that 730 participants, or 0.7 per cent, received a diagnosis of adult ADHD, and 7,726, or 7.1 per cent, received a diagnosis of dementia.

Of the 7,726 dementia cases, 96 were among the 730 adults with ADHD and the remaining 7,630 in the 1,08,488 adults not diagnosed to have ADHD.

The researchers found these results to show that an adult ADHD diagnosis was associated with a 2.77-fold increased risk of incident dementia.

Further, 163 of the 730 adult ADHD cases received psychostimulant treatment and were seen to exhibit no clear increase in the risk of dementia associated with adult ADHD.

The results suggested that adult ADHD treatment incorporating psychostimulants may help reduce the risk of dementia as psychostimulants are known to modify the trajectory of cognitive impairment, the researchers said, adding that more research is needed to assess the impact of medications in patients with ADHD and how they could affect risk.

Physicians, clinicians, and caregivers who work with older adults should monitor ADHD symptoms and associated medications, the researchers said. They also added that symptoms of attention deficit and hyperactivity in old age shouldn't be ignored and should be discussed with physicians.

(PTI)

More For You

Prada 2026 sandals

Prada acknowledges Indian influence behind its Spring Summer 2026 men’s footwear

Instagram/prada/iStock

Prada finally acknowledges Kolhapuri chappals inspired 2026 sandals after Indian backlash over Milan show

Quick highlights:

• Prada confirms Indian roots behind 2026 ‘leather sandals’ after controversy
• Indian artisans and officials accused the brand of cultural appropriation
• The footwear resembles traditional Kolhapuri chappals with GI status
• Prada says designs are still in development and open to dialogue with India

Keep ReadingShow less
Anna Wintour

Wintour’s style of leadership earned her the nickname “Nuclear Wintour”

Getty Images

Anna Wintour steps down as editor of US Vogue after 37 years

Key points

  • Anna Wintour steps down as editor of US Vogue after 37 years
  • She will remain Vogue’s global editorial director and hold senior roles at Condé Nast
  • Wintour transformed US Vogue into a global fashion authority
  • The 75-year-old has received numerous honours, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom

End of an era at US Vogue

Anna Wintour has stepped down as the editor of US Vogue, bringing to a close a 37-year tenure that redefined the publication and saw her become one of the most influential figures in global fashion.

The announcement was made on Thursday (26 June) during a staff meeting in New York. Wintour, 75, will no longer oversee the day-to-day editorial operations of Vogue’s US edition. However, she will continue to serve as Vogue’s global editorial director and Condé Nast’s chief content officer, maintaining senior leadership roles across the company.

Keep ReadingShow less
Nadiya Hussain

She also reassured her followers that “exciting” new projects are on the way

Getty Images

“I won’t always be grateful” says Nadiya Hussain after BBC axes her cookery show

Key points

  • Nadiya Hussain confirms BBC will not renew her cookery series
  • Bake Off winner challenges expectations to remain “grateful”
  • She says hard work and talent, not luck, brought her success
  • Celebrities, including Annie Lennox and Fearne Cotton, show support

BBC ends decade-long collaboration with Bake Off star

Nadiya Hussain has spoken out after the BBC decided not to commission another cookery programme with her. The popular TV chef, who won The Great British Bake Off in 2015, shared her views on social media, stating that she “won’t always be grateful” and should not be expected to remain silent about career setbacks.

The decision ends a nearly 10-year working relationship between the broadcaster and Hussain, who has hosted several well-received cookery shows under the BBC banner. In her latest Instagram video, she addressed the public’s reaction and emphasised her right to expect more from her career.

Keep ReadingShow less
weight loss injections UK

The importance of vigilance as demand for these weight loss and diabetes drugs continues to grow

iStock

Hundreds report pancreas issues linked to weight loss injections as UK launches safety study

Key points

  • Almost 400 reports of acute pancreatitis linked to weight loss and diabetes jabs have been filed in the UK
  • Most cases involve popular GLP-1 drugs including Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro
  • Health officials are investigating possible genetic causes behind the side-effects
  • Patients hospitalised with pancreatitis encouraged to report symptoms via MHRA’s Yellow Card scheme
  • Adverse drug reactions cost the NHS an estimated £2.2bn annually

Health watchdog investigates spike in serious side-effects from GLP-1 drugs

UK health authorities have launched a study into the side effects of popular weight loss and diabetes drugs following a spike in reported cases of acute pancreatitis. Nearly 400 reports have been received via the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency’s (MHRA) Yellow Card scheme, which monitors side effects and adverse reactions related to medicines and medical devices.

The medicines involved are GLP-1 receptor agonists – including semaglutide (marketed as Ozempic and Wegovy), liraglutide, and tirzepatide (branded as Mounjaro). The Yellow Card data shows that 181 of the cases involved tirzepatide alone.

Keep ReadingShow less
M&S launches strawberries

M&S’s latest offering taps into both tradition and innovation

The Wire

M&S launches strawberries and cream sandwich ahead of Wimbledon

Summary

  • M&S unveils limited edition strawberries and cream sandwich for £2.80
  • Inspired by Japanese 'sweet sandos', it features Red Diamond strawberries and whipped cream cheese
  • Available in stores now, found in the savoury sandwich aisle
  • Launch coincides with Wimbledon and British strawberry season
  • Wimbledon increases strawberries and cream price for first time in 15 years

New summer sandwich from M&S

Marks & Spencer has launched a limited edition M&S strawberry sandwich, combining classic British summer flavours with a Japanese twist. Priced at £2.80, the strawberries and cream sandwich is available in M&S stores now.

The dessert-style sandwich features M&S’s exclusive Red Diamond strawberries, whipped cream cheese, and sweetened bread. Despite its sweet contents, the product is found in the savoury sandwich section of M&S Food halls.

Keep ReadingShow less