Adult ADHD significantly increases risk of Lewy body dementia

February, 2011

Nearly half of those with dementia with Lewy bodies were found to have had adult ADHD — three times the rate of controls and those with Alzheimer’s.

A study involving 360 patients with degenerative dementia (109 people with dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and 251 with Alzheimer's) and 149 matched controls, has found that 48% of those with DLB had previously suffered from adult ADHD. This compares with 15% found in both the control group and the group with Alzheimer's. DLB tends to be under-diagnosed, but is thought to account for around 10% of dementia cases in older people.

ADHD and DLB are thought to both involve the same neurotransmitter pathway problems.

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2011-01/w-aas011811.php

Reference:

[2099] Golimstok, A., Rojas J. I., Romano M., Zurru M. C., Doctorovich D., & Cristiano E.
(2011). Previous adult attention-deficit and hyperactivity disorder symptoms and risk of dementia with Lewy bodies: a case-control study.
European Journal of Neurology. 18(1), 78 - 84.

seniors

Alzheimers

Related News

Music training protects against aging-related hearing loss

I’ve spoken before about the association between hearing loss in old age and dementia risk.

Nicotine patch shows benefits in mild cognitive impairment

The study involved 74 non-smokers with amnestic

Higher risk of mild cognitive impairment among older men

More data from the long-running Mayo Clinic Study of Aging has revealed that, in this one part of the U.S.

'Exergames' may provide greater cognitive benefit for older adults

We know that physical exercise greatly helps you prevent cognitive decline with aging. We know that mental stimulation also helps you prevent age-related cognitive decline. So it was only a matter of time before someone came up with a way of combining the two.

Cognitive decline begins in middle age

The age at which cognitive decline begins has been the subject of much debate. The Seattle longitudinal study has provided most of the evidence that it doesn’t begin until age 60.

Diet linked to brain atrophy in old age

The study involved 104 healthy older adults (average age 87) participating in the Oregon Brain Aging Study.

Physical evidence bilingualism delays onset of Alzheimer's symptoms

Growing evidence points to greater education and mentally stimulating occupations and activities providing a

Brain atrophy may predict risk for early Alzheimer's disease

A study involving 159 older adults (average age 76) has confirmed that the amount of brain tissue in specific regions is a predictor of Alzheimer’s disease development.

Reviving a failing sense of smell through training

The olfactory bulb is in the oldest part of our brain. It connects directly to the

Why diabetes is linked to cognitive impairment in older adults

Why is diabetes associated with cognitive impairment and even dementia in older adults? New research pinpoints two molecules that trigger a cascade of events that end in poor blood flow and brain atrophy.

Pages