Study does not establish cause and effect, and experts say it highlights need for further research

Study does not establish cause and effect, and experts say it highlights need for further research

People who are diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as adults could be at greater risk of developing dementia later in life, research suggests.

While experts cautioned that the study did not establish whether the apparent link was cause and effect, they say it highlights the need to explore possible connections further and examine whether ADHD medications mitigate any potential dementia risk.

The results come from a study of the medical records of more than 100,000 people, which found those diagnosed with ADHD as adults appear to have almost three times the risk of being diagnosed with dementia later in life.

    • soren446@lemmy.world
      6·
      9 months ago

      Oh my goodness I’m so sorry. I used to work with dementia patients in college and it runs in my family. Thankfully I’ve seen patients who’ve lived for a decade or two after being diagnosed. Although time and quality of life depends on the diagnosis and treatment success along with other health factors. Frustratingly, brains are complicated so research isn’t moving fast enough.

      If you are taking medications to mitigate symptoms or delay the onset I hope they help and that your outlook is long. Just don’t stop taking them without talking to your doctor first, even if it doesn’t seem like they help much. My uncle deteriorated quickly because he thought the meds weren’t helping and quit without telling anyone.

      Wish I could hug you or help or something. Try to stay positive as much as you can and I hope for the best possible outcome for you.