WASHINGTON, Oct 25, (Agencies): A recent study has unveiled a concerning finding, suggesting that adults diagnosed with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) may be nearly three times more likely to develop dementia. This revelation raises questions about potential links, both in terms of lifestyle and biology, between these two conditions.

The study, which involved tracking over 109,000 adults, found a striking 2.77-fold increase in dementia risk among those with a diagnosis of adult ADHD. It's important to note that similar to children, adults with ADHD often grapple with issues like difficulty paying attention, hyperactivity, and impulsive behavior. Notably, some individuals are not diagnosed with ADHD until they reach adulthood, as pointed out by the Mayo Clinic.

Michal Schnaider Beeri, PhD, one of the study's co-authors, highlights the connection between impulsive behavior—a common symptom of ADHD—and unhealthy lifestyle choices, which may potentially contribute to dementia risk. Factors such as poor dietary habits, a lack of physical activity, obesity, and hypertension have all been associated with an increased risk of dementia. In fact, epidemiological studies have established a link between dietary fat intake and the risk of Alzheimer's disease and dementia, according to the National Institute of Health.

Furthermore, the use of alcohol and drugs has also been implicated in dementia risk, with a complex relationship noted between substance use disorders and ADHD, as outlined by the National Institute of Health.

Beyond lifestyle and behavior-related influences, there might be an underlying neurobiological connection between ADHD and dementia. Beeri suggests that the neurobiology of ADHD could compromise brain and cognitive reserve, increasing the susceptibility to dementia in old age.

While a direct causal link between ADHD and dementia remains uncertain, Sven Sandin, PhD, a co-author of the study, speculates that shared genetic factors could be at play. It's possible that some of the genetic underpinnings of both ADHD and dementia are similar, leading to overlapping genetic pathways that contribute to both disorders.

This study sheds light on a critical area of research, raising awareness of potential risks and the importance of further investigations into the complex relationship between ADHD and dementia.