Health
Study associates ADHD with more than fourfold risk of dementia or MCI
Fox News reports that a University of Pittsburgh-led study of more than 187,000 adults links ADHD to higher dementia risk, though only an association is shown.
The short version
- Fox News reports that a study of more than 187,000 adults aged 50 and older associated ADHD with higher dementia or mild cognitive impairment risk.[Fox News]
- After adjusting for age, gender and other health conditions, adults with ADHD had more than four times the risk, and 6.7% versus 3.4% showed cognitive impairment.[Fox News]
- The findings, published Oct. 7 in JAMA Psychiatry, show only an association, and researchers say they cannot establish that ADHD increases dementia risk.[Fox News]
Key facts
- A study led by the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine involved more than 187,000 adults aged 50 and older.[Fox News]
- ADHD was associated with an increased risk of dementia or mild cognitive impairment in the study.[Fox News]
- Cognitive impairment was observed in 6.7% of participants with ADHD versus 3.4% without the disorder.[Fox News]
- After adjustment for age, gender and other health conditions, adults with ADHD had more than four times the risk.[Fox News]
- Adults with the highest genetic susceptibility to ADHD had a 35% greater risk of dementia than those with the lowest susceptibility.[Fox News]
- The findings were published Oct. 7 in JAMA Psychiatry and show an association only.[Fox News]
What remains uncertain
- The findings show only an association, and the researchers acknowledge they cannot determine that ADHD increases dementia risk.[Fox News]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.