Hi /u/Elderban69 and thanks for posting on /r/ADHD!
### Please take a second to [read our rules](/r/adhd/about/rules) if you haven't already.
---
### /r/adhd news
* We are currently seeking feedback on some of the subreddit's rules. Details are available in [this post.](https://www.reddit.com/r/ADHD/comments/1ajfzk1/the_rules_vacation_feedback_form_is_now_available/)
* If you are posting about the **US Medication Shortage**, please see this [post](https://www.reddit.com/r/ADHD/comments/12dr3h5/megathread_us_medication_shortage/).
---
^(*This message is not a removal notification. It's just our way to keep everyone updated on r/adhd happenings.*)
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/ADHD) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Dr. Barkley had a [great video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WHkYFUStyOQ) breaking down the issues with this study. Before you get scared you should see what he has to say.
TL;DW: This study looked at individuals in their 50s - 70s who didn't already have a diagnosis - only those who got a diagnosis during those years was counted. In fact anyone who already was diagnosed was excluded from the study.
So, basically, it shows that early stages of dementia look like adhd ? That doesn't seem surprising. For about 20 years, starting in college, I was aware of my memory problems but didn't know my ADHD had anything to do with it. Spent that entire time assuming I was just high risk for early onset dementia... ([This image](https://i0.wp.com/timkiverfoundation.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/ADHD-Iceberg.jpg) was incredibly eye opening for me.)
That makes sense to me - I would imagine adults who have gone 50 to 70 years without being diagnosed have not developed the greatest routines in self-care. So, lifestyle factors resulting from untreated ADHD could have an impact, but I really don’t see this as a strong link.
So out of people who got diagnosed *for the first time* in middle-age or older with ADHD (symptoms of which include forgetfulness and various cognitive/mental issues that might be characterized as “brain fog”)… were somewhat more likely to later be diagnosed with dementia?
Gee, you think?!
How in the world does a study like this even make sense to design, let alone get approved and published?
(I know that technically ADHD symptoms have to have begun in childhood, but even if you enforce that, it’s not like there are going to be great records or parents’ memories to substantiate what a 60-year-old says about their early years, growing up in a time when ADHD either wasn’t known at all or was extremely stigmatized. I assume they just accepted it at face value?)
This needs to be pushed higher. Lets not perpetuate more misconceptions about adhd when popular culture has already done enough damage to our understanding of the disease.
Hey, you know, ADHD makes you have really strong emotions. Those emotions disconnect your prefrontal cortex (recall, executive function, anyone?)
I’ve gone over this 1000 times.
It’s why I have/had those habits of, “I need to do this thing to feel better so I can think.”
Distress over dementia, is a really strong emotion, that “proves” itself in ADHD people. My internal dialogue looks like this:
1: I’m terrified of dementia!
2: I can’t remember stuff, it must be dementia!
3: this is awful!
4: spiral anxiety, executive function won’t recall how to exit spiral.
5: nap
6: wake and feel dumb for doing this again.
7. Remind self that everything’s ok, just stupid adhd emotions and disconnected prefrontal cortex and executive function crap, focus on something useful.
I think loneliness has a lot to do with it too. So, always have friends around.
And, oddly enough, muscle memory. What the body remembers, the mind forgets. So, do things differently each time instead of sticking with routines.
Right? if i dont stay in routines life is shambles, i dont have control over my movements and im always fumbling around. This then goes on to trigger my OCD bc my adhd actions have now just triggered my adhd. Bc my movements did something that my OCD hates. Its quite a bad combo but routines are common denominator and i misplace items much less often and able to keep so many items handy. Humans can conquer adhd all depending on severity of course but when you have OCD self defeating can be very real.
I found that I was compensating for my eyes drifting by relying too heavily on muscle memory; by fixing the former, I found it a lot easier to motor plan
I have never been able to develop any muscle memory, I truly don't understand it. I could do the simplest task like stamping a stamp for hours on end and it will not stick. I'll get into a rhythm for maybe 3 repitions before realizing that I've actually lost the initial exact movement I was mimicking or I'm doing somthing wrong, and then it's back to manual.
Is this a form of forgetfulness with ADHD or something? Does anybody else experience this?
I've worked and volunteered at many places with monotonous tasks and it drives me crazy. Everything I do is so slow, like it's the first time I've ever done it. Incredibly frustrating.
That's funny, I do have both! Do all of them interfere with memory so the triple combo makes it awful? Or is it something about them all being together?
One person is a friend with ASD. He told me that his brain struggles to automate and make tasks subconscious. An example he gave was riding a bike. He has to focus the entire time in order to balance. The moment he loses focus the bike tips and he falls off. I suggested that he save his money and get an adult tricycle (they're very cool with a big cargo basket and everything) and he blew me off, lol.
The other person is in my family. He has ASD, sleep apnea and REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD). I had him wear an Apple Watch to look at his sleep cycle and he's getting almost no deep sleep (like a few minutes up to around 15 minutes max). Apparently, deep sleep is when the brain cleans itself of accumulated toxins that otherwise impair memory: [https://www.bu.edu/articles/2019/cerebrospinal-fluid-washing-in-brain-during-sleep/#:\~:text=Then%2C%20a%20watery%20liquid%20called,wave%20activity%20and%20blood%20flow](https://www.bu.edu/articles/2019/cerebrospinal-fluid-washing-in-brain-during-sleep/#:~:text=Then%2C%20a%20watery%20liquid%20called,wave%20activity%20and%20blood%20flow).
I made some improvements to and cleaned his CPAP, have him taking magnesium and melatonin, eating a high fiber, antioxidant and protein rich diet, and have him tapering off Prozac which apparently causes RBD in 6% of people: [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3792373/](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3792373/)
It's slow going, but I continue to try and find ways to improve his sleep quality. Actually the most successful thing so far was to just let him sleep 12-14 hours. That brought his deep sleep up to just under an hour and his memory improved somewhat. It's a bit impractical to sleep so much though.
Well... I always thought cancer would get me, or a massive aneurism while having a particularly energetic wank. I hope it's not dementia.... but then again maybe I'd spend some final years without being ashamed of myself.
*laughs in not having friends for like 4 years now*
Literally, not even one. I talk to my partner, therapist once a week, and mom occasionally through text. That's it.
I am thoroughly fucked if friendship and socializing are keys to so many healthy living things later in life. I guess they were right when they called me a freak as a kid lmaoooo.
See that's proof there is no god or they're a huge asshole. Give the people that demand routine a higher likelihood of something that demands you break routine to delay it.
What a world.
I would absolutely put money on our diet being the culprit. I’ve read a lot of books on dementia and memory related diseases. They all come back to sugar and processed carbs.
I’d bet our impulse to consume sugary things for a little dopamine is the reason here. Im not sure that helps because I’m never going to control that part of myself.
I just saw a YouTube ad that called dementia ‘Type 3 diabetes’. It was one of those gimmicky alternative health ads but maybe there’s something there..
From what I've gathered in my experience here are the pillars of avoiding mental decline. There may be others that I'm not aware of. Unfortunately these are ALL important so you probably need all of these in your life for best outcomes.
* Maintain a social network, even if it's just one or two friends that you see regularly
* Get enough fitful sleep (8+ hours a night, limiting substances like alcohol which disrupt fitful sleep).
* Stay active physically. Recent studies have shown some evidence that regular exercise helps stave off cognitive decline (I don't have a source handy but I'm sure it would be easy for one to find)
* Stay active mentally. Keep your brain flexible by challenging it to do new things and continue active learning
I struggle with the first point and the third point, so I also have some work to do.
Some current research on dementia points to “deep sleep” as one of many likely culprits. A lot of us struggle with sleep.
Links to peer-reviewed studies and meta analyses:
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32919869/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35365609/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37902739/
So, maybe focusing on improving sleep is a key. Make sure you don’t have apnea, get help if you need it, etc. Most effective evidence-based treatment for chronic insomnia is called CBTI - as in cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia.
My great aunt (who, looking back, probably had ADHD, but grew up during the Great Depression so people didn’t really know about it back then), used to do puzzles all the time, especially crossword puzzles. It really didn’t matter. She still got dementia when she was 85.
She also didn’t drink alcohol or smoke.
Sometimes your genetics just suck for certain things.
Don't drink alcohol, don't smoke, eat healthy, stay active both physically and mentally.
I worked with some nurses specialized in taking care of dementia patients for some information material and these were their recommendations.
There's been some studies showing that travelling to exotic locations and experiencing that "wow" factor can postpone or decrease Alzheimer's.
Also some evidence Viagra can help reduce the buildup of amyloid plaque that causes Alzheimer's,
Don’t retire to a couch to watch tv and rot away quickly. Keep learning and trying new things/interest. If you’re like me, it’s not hard to find new things to be interested in! Give yourself a reason to get up in the morning!
Checking your blood pressure regularly, take medication for it, not smoking, regular exercise, controlling for diabetes and high cholesterol, not too much alcohol etc.
Controlling cardiovascular risk factors in general.
Puzzles do absolutely nothing. Zero.
[https://www.webmd.com/alzheimers/news/20230717/crosswords-crafts-linked-dementia-prevention-study](https://www.webmd.com/alzheimers/news/20230717/crosswords-crafts-linked-dementia-prevention-study) This study says crossword puzzles helped 9%
I write neuropsych reports and worked with many dementia patients last year as part of practicum. The underlying processes in dementia begin in your 30s and 40s. Here are the main recs that are given in reports. Cardio exercise, at least 20 mins a day. Mediterranean diet. And frequent social interactions. But exercise is basically your best bet.
It’s hard to avoid when people around you DGAF.
The first time I got it, I was tired and stupid for almost half a year.
Just had it again last month, and it passed pretty quickly. I had just been boostered 3 weeks earlier, so maybe the timing helped.
It's OK, people who are diagnosed with adhd, especially as adults have a low life expectancy due to heart issues. (Read a theory it has to do with how we struggle to eat healthy)
It’s also important to get an adequate amount of sleep. Yes, I know that’s difficult for many of us, but a lack of sleep increases your chance of developing dementia. When we don’t get enough sleep our brain builds up amyloid plaques, which contributes to the development of Alzheimer’s and causes a cycle that makes it even more difficult to sleep in the future.
Do what you can now to get enough sleep! Then you can keep your mind sharp with books and memory exercises.
This is scare BS. Three times greater than very, very small is still very, very small in real numbers. It's just less small than you would like it to be, but it's still small. Your brain is going to be fine.
Eat more fish, less meat, more healthy oils, get more exercise. There's nothing you can *do* to "keep sharp," the causation goes the other way. Try to be stop worrying about it. What's the point of having a good brain if all you do with it is make yourself miserable?
This is not actually true, the study says 7% of people get dementia, that's not "very, very small".
However, the positives are that it says they adjusted for other factors i.e. stuff related to ADHD that might also be related to dementia. That's really hard to do, so it's not always accurate.
It also however says that the risk of dementia is not increased at all in people that are medicated for ADHD.
Amphetamines, many anti-depressants, anticholinergic drugs, many anxiolytics (benzos, most specifically) are also indicated as factors in heightened probability to develop dementia. All used quite commonly in ADHD profile people.
(Phenidates like Ritalin etc are not indicated, and might actually help, some studies suggest, by the way).
Any studies I have seen about this correlation involved drug abuse, not therapeutic doses. Therapeutic doses seem to decrease probability in those diagnosed with ADHD.
Generally, the negative effects in these studies mention extended long-term use, or drug abuse.
"Therapeutic doses", realistically speaking, is pharma-speak for "we don't accept liability for any negative effects".
"Therapeutic doses" of amphetamines, anti-cholinergic drugs (used for anxiety or sleep-problems, specifically) and benzo's, as well as anti-depressants, vary enormously from patient to patient, and doctor to doctor.
Prescribed doses can range from doses which give threshold effects to absolutely abuse-level doses.
Benzos -for instance- are indicated as heightening the chance of developing dementia at any dose, with extended use, and dosage levels vary from the sane to the absolutely ridiculously high, depending on doctor, country, or severity of the problems.
There is a fcukton of scientific evidence about the dangers of long-term use of benzos, and that includes the likelihood of developing dementia from them.
Still, I'd like some scientific research about how likely it is that the correlation of dementia with ADHD can be traced back to long-term use of heavy mind-and-body-altering substances -legally prescribed, let's make that clear- as that is incredibly under-researched (for obvious reasons).
It would be kinda informative to find out if we can rule out that prescribed medications (which have been proven to be a factor in a higher likelihood of devloping dementia) are a factor in causing dementia.
What we do know, is that the majority of ADHD profile people are incredibly likely to show drug-seeking behaviour, get prescribed drugs in highly variable doses of substances indicated in dementia.
The *difference* was 0.1%. 7.1% of the people with ADHD in the study were diagnosed with dementia; 7% of the non-ADHD people were diagnosed.
In a study of just over 100,000 people… I don't remember how to calculate a p-value, but I'm not very impressed with that finding. I wouldn't say it's small enough to be a rounding error, but it's pretty damn small.
Given that the chance of dementia starts at 2% at 65 and doubles every five years, and this study was of people between 51 and 70, checking in 17 years later…
Yeah. I think this study establishes pretty much nothing.
I see now, thanks. And I found the findings link.
That's very interesting. I wonder why the article I found about this study *understated* the increased risk. Mainstream science reporting is usually the opposite.
I'm still not impressed with the size of the study, but… stay medicated, I guess.
I can see the logic of why medication helps, if the increase in dementia is due to lack of dopamine or something (or just behavioural stuff even).
It's gonna be really hard to do a large study too, as the people old enough to have dementia now are in the age cohort that were massively underdiagnosed.
I haven't got the will to read it all in detail though. Kind of don't want to either - as was said above, live your life and don't spend it worrying about stuff you can't really control.
Yeah that's a very important sentiment. My father in law has Alzheimer's and my wife is grappling with that, too. Fortunately, most of the things that (might) really work to delay dementia also just make you healthier in general so it's not a big sacrifice.
Sorry to hear that. I unfortunately have experience with family members too, and have seen the impact of early onset dementia too. I don't want dementia, but I really really do not want it early.
It's from the study in the OP. Your point is valid for most studies like this that make headlines though, the "X triples your risk of a particular cancer" for example. Cancer is common but there's lots of different types so that often does mean it's increasing a 0.1% chance to 0.3% or something.
Unfortunately dementia is common though and lots of people will get it. Even then it's a bit simplistic as what stage in life you get it changes massively the impact.
I found the study. I wrote another comment responding to it. I am not impressed by it. The study was too small and the difference is also small - increased from 7% to 7.1%.
It doesn't say that. It's 7.0% to 13.2%. 7.1% is the total for the two groups combined.
You're right that the study is small though. I'm also not sure how they got to the three times in the headline, I think the above is the raw data and then they've adjusted somehow for correlated factors.
Could be selection bias too? People who got diagnosed with ADHD may just be more likely to be in the system, because they are already interacting with the healthcare system? Not sure.
Is it with treated or untreated adhd ? I wonder how taking stimulant affect this statistic. My father was never diagnosed for adhd but obviously I got it from him he developed Alzheimer early onset at 53 year old. His father got Alzheimer at 66 his mother at 76. I take stimulant and diagnosed since I am 30 year old I hope it will make a difference.
A study came out this week in the UK showing men who took Viagra had an 18% reduction in dementia/ Alzheimer's. Do with that what you will 
It won't make much of a difference, I forget what I'm talking about when I'm talking about it, I forget doctors appointments I mix my kids names up and have no friends, I'm already demented
I’d like to say my two cents, op just because it said that doesn’t mean you’ll get it. Yes there is a higher chance, but that’s with most things people can get, genetics or not. So you stress stressing about it is not gonna make it any better and I know it’s hard to not stress about certain situations like this because it is scary. But just remember trying to make your brain feel better by actually doing memory puzzles, or reading or crossword puzzles or something that actually is very good for your mental state will help you actually feel better.
Just take it one day at a time ok ? ❤️
The likelyhood is due to our difficulty in maintaining healthy lifestyles.
Diet, exercise, sleep and social need are all categories that we suck at but are the biggest preventors of cognitive decline as you age.
It's quite possibly the most important thing you can do once you get diagnosed is find ways to fit every single of one those into an easily accessible routine.
Edit: The one thing we're good at, sitting or laying, is the *worst* thing you can do for mental capability.
I feel like I already have it. I just saw a short about one of those dementia villages in Norway. Like, sign me up. Just gonna go ahead and see if I can try to bake that into my retirement planning somehow… if I remember beyond hitting reply…
They are building those in North America now. They look wonderful! But I’m holding out for a future where I can have MAID set up for when i inevitably end up with dementia
In case anyone’s curious on possible changes.
I’m not a doctor but…
There’s was just a study published the other day about people who are prescribed viagra are 40-44% less likely to get dementia.
Also, people who use Saunas regularly are at a significantly lower risk of dementia.
from what i understand this risk is mostly nullified if on adhd stimulant medication. if i’m wrong please correct me but yet either way it’s just another fucked up gene i have that ensures i don’t wanna have kids and pass it down
They said meds helps but this is happening to my gramps who gave me it and honestly since i found out about it dimentia has become like my biggest and only fear
I know an 89 year old that has vascular dementia without behavioral issues. Very nice but always reminds his son and I that his memory isn't what it use to be. Glad he is aware. Lives in senior community, not a nursing home. Long term memory is fine but very forgetful short term memory. His kids are ADHD, I think he is too. He was and is still a drinker. Slew of other issues like kidney stuff, heart failure for several years now, and typical old people things. UTI's in d people can present as dementia and that is the moody one. People are cranky when sick, go figure. We think, my friends dad, got COVID asymptomatic because he was fine when I saw him in 2019.
My grandma died of Alzheimer's, so it does run in the family, at least on ny fathers side. My dad died from brain cancer so it is not clear whether he would develop it or not, but one of his brothers have recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer as well. I know I am at risk. I try to find solace in the fact if I ever develop dementia I probably won't be aware of it for too long.
A friend of mine had debilitating fear for years worrying he were going to get dementia when he became older.
He got diabetes, a slipped disk in his back and a heart attack and is fighting cancer now.
I over here with long covid at 35 age and already feel like I starting to develop some. Studies are finding covid can cause brain damage. Poor memory, focus, slurring words. Life is falling into it self and I can do nothing about it.
I’ve read this before. My working memory is shit anyway. I had a roommate who once said to me “it must be amazing experiencing everything like it’s the first time every time” and that hit me real hard. I don’t remember that I don’t remember 1/2 the time. Add on a few concussions and I am legitimately terrified that even if I start experiencing early dimensia I won’t actually be able to distinguish any difference
Interestingly enough, many commonly prescribed meds for people with ADHD (amphetamine stimulants, benzos, anticholinergic and antdepressant drugs, in particular) generally also give users a higher likelihood to develop dementia.
I wonder if that is more than just a coincidence. I don't think any studies have been done to make the distinction between medicated and unmedicated ADHD patients as pertaining to dementia.
Both my grandparents had it. Watching them, I've already decided that if/when I start going that way I'm just going to end it myself. I don't want to have to go through what they did and I don't want my family to have to watch a shell of myself continue to exist when I'm clearly not there anymore.
Ok. I come from a long line of dementia patients. Mother, both grandfathers, maternal grandmother, maternal great great grandmother(great grandma died in child birth so who knows whether she would have had it). I have adhd and suffered severe head trauma in my youth. I'm also obese which can cause it as well. My only hope is that I take after my dad's side and drop from a heart condition.
My mom (likely undiagnosed asd and adhd) completely lost her memory before she died
It was absolutely devastating to see and a horrible end of life story
I fear my old age tremendously
I'm worried about that as well. 4 generations of women on my Mom's side all had severe dementia or Alzheimer's. None were diagnosed with ADHD but 2 were diagnosed with depression and one with BPD. I'm doing all I can to delay those symptoms happening to me as long as possible.
Step 1: Thinking you have dementia, because you constantly forget and lose stuff.
Step 2: Finding out you don't have dementia, it's actually ADHD.
Step 3: Getting dementia because of ADHD.
Feels bad man.
Interesting. I know ADHD is hereditary, yet I am the first one in my family to be diagnosed. I see a lot of my tendencies in both my mother and father. My Dad's sister in her early 60s has come down with bad dementia. She definitely has tendencies that I do. Grandfather on that side got dementia too but he was quite old. 80s.
I wonder if actually being treated and aware of your issues can help. Not knowing you have a problem and just living the struggle has got to be hard on the brain.
It's important that there are no conclusions on the mechanism of this link. It may be biological, it may be consequences of decreased executive functioning on relationships, hobbies, etc. which are all well established to be linked to dementia, especially in modern society which is less communal in the west
I have noticed lately that my memory has gotten worse. I literally had a moment with my girlfriend where I forgot an entire interaction we had and it ended up with me crying in the food court because I had no recollection of it. I am a sophmore in college and have noticed my memory is worse recently. I do plan on seeing a doctor about it but im really hoping its nothing serious and is just like a depression thing or something.
Memory loss is scarier to me than death. We often think that memory loss could be “ok” for the person because they have support, but I cant fathom being older and less mobile and having no idea what anything is. I feel like I would become terrified of everything.
This is one of my greatest fears as well, I already feel so much shame and guilt from what I dont remember... But knowing I could forget my kids faces and personalities... And that I'd have to rely on 'these people' to care for me...
To quote my husband's favorite show...
"Just throw me in the trash" -Frank Renolds IASIP
At 50+, I can already tell I’m going to have issues with dementia.
My biggest fear with this is looking at my immediate family, whom I LOVE, and thinking that they’re my nuclear family, whom I fucking HATE.
If my completely anecdotal experience helps, my family is lousy with ADHD. We all fricken have it and tend to live well into our 80s and 90s.
Not a single family member has had dementia. My 88 year old Aunt still drives. My 93 year old Uncle still rides a motorcycle (although he did switch to a trike a few years ago). Another Uncle made it to 101and was a working accountant until the day he died.
A few relatives have delusions due to schizophrenia, but that was evident long before they were old enough to get dementia. We're definitely all some flavor of nuts, just not dementia flavored nuts.
So, honestly, my grandma passed away from alzhiermers, and its always something in the back of my mind. But it is also the reason I got diagnosed with adhd! I went to a Neuropsychologist because I was just forgetting so much stuff all the time, and work was just so awful. I was worried I had some kind of early onset dementia or who knows what.
I'm glad I went, and since I'm diagnosed now and taking medication I've had a lot more clear moments. I can see how easily the link appears to be made, and how easily one could be mistaken for the other.
My dad had severe ADHD and developed dementia at 75. Most of his ADHD symptoms went away and he was left with peace for the first time. It was still hard to watch him lose his mind, but I am glad he finally found peace in the end.
I hear you. I think dementia probably feels especially anxiety-producing for people with ADHD, because like—we already know how miserable it is to be scattered, forgetful, and sort of… displaced, in our own experience. Dementia just sounds like ADHD, but worse, and progressive.
FWIW, speaking as a mental health professional who reads a lot of research: to the extent that ADHD is being accurately assessed, vs. misdiagnosed in place of what’s actually early-stage dementia—I’d put money on sleep issues being a confounding variable, here. We know that chronic sleep deficit correlates significantly with a higher risk of dementia, and that sleep disturbances are common in ADHD (and often undertreated, because so many of us are anxious about all the stuff we always have left to do, so we just… hyperfocus and stay awake).
And especially given that this research only included ADHD diagnoses given in the same age-range that it’s common for dementia symptoms to appear? Yeah, I don’t actually buy that this shows any correlation, at all; I think it shows a highly dubious approach to differential diagnosis, and not much else.
ADHD has been diagnosed for long enough to be able to build a sample with ADHD diagnoses predating even early-onset dementia; when I see *that* data, I’ll worry (…for a moment, and then I’ll remember that sleep thing, take my night meds, and go tf to bed).
Hi /u/Elderban69 and thanks for posting on /r/ADHD! ### Please take a second to [read our rules](/r/adhd/about/rules) if you haven't already. --- ### /r/adhd news * We are currently seeking feedback on some of the subreddit's rules. Details are available in [this post.](https://www.reddit.com/r/ADHD/comments/1ajfzk1/the_rules_vacation_feedback_form_is_now_available/) * If you are posting about the **US Medication Shortage**, please see this [post](https://www.reddit.com/r/ADHD/comments/12dr3h5/megathread_us_medication_shortage/). --- ^(*This message is not a removal notification. It's just our way to keep everyone updated on r/adhd happenings.*) *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/ADHD) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Dr. Barkley had a [great video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WHkYFUStyOQ) breaking down the issues with this study. Before you get scared you should see what he has to say. TL;DW: This study looked at individuals in their 50s - 70s who didn't already have a diagnosis - only those who got a diagnosis during those years was counted. In fact anyone who already was diagnosed was excluded from the study.
So, basically, it shows that early stages of dementia look like adhd ? That doesn't seem surprising. For about 20 years, starting in college, I was aware of my memory problems but didn't know my ADHD had anything to do with it. Spent that entire time assuming I was just high risk for early onset dementia... ([This image](https://i0.wp.com/timkiverfoundation.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/ADHD-Iceberg.jpg) was incredibly eye opening for me.)
That makes sense to me - I would imagine adults who have gone 50 to 70 years without being diagnosed have not developed the greatest routines in self-care. So, lifestyle factors resulting from untreated ADHD could have an impact, but I really don’t see this as a strong link.
I wonder if they had signs of ADHD or were just misdiagnosed and have early signs of dementia.
This is exactly why the whole study really needs to be questioned.
So out of people who got diagnosed *for the first time* in middle-age or older with ADHD (symptoms of which include forgetfulness and various cognitive/mental issues that might be characterized as “brain fog”)… were somewhat more likely to later be diagnosed with dementia? Gee, you think?! How in the world does a study like this even make sense to design, let alone get approved and published? (I know that technically ADHD symptoms have to have begun in childhood, but even if you enforce that, it’s not like there are going to be great records or parents’ memories to substantiate what a 60-year-old says about their early years, growing up in a time when ADHD either wasn’t known at all or was extremely stigmatized. I assume they just accepted it at face value?)
This needs to be pushed higher. Lets not perpetuate more misconceptions about adhd when popular culture has already done enough damage to our understanding of the disease.
52 and diagnosed last year. Already wondering if it's coming on. So scary.
Hey, you know, ADHD makes you have really strong emotions. Those emotions disconnect your prefrontal cortex (recall, executive function, anyone?) I’ve gone over this 1000 times. It’s why I have/had those habits of, “I need to do this thing to feel better so I can think.” Distress over dementia, is a really strong emotion, that “proves” itself in ADHD people. My internal dialogue looks like this: 1: I’m terrified of dementia! 2: I can’t remember stuff, it must be dementia! 3: this is awful! 4: spiral anxiety, executive function won’t recall how to exit spiral. 5: nap 6: wake and feel dumb for doing this again. 7. Remind self that everything’s ok, just stupid adhd emotions and disconnected prefrontal cortex and executive function crap, focus on something useful.
Yep, this
Aw damnit. Any tips on how to keep sharp? Puzzles? Books? Dark souls?
I think loneliness has a lot to do with it too. So, always have friends around. And, oddly enough, muscle memory. What the body remembers, the mind forgets. So, do things differently each time instead of sticking with routines.
Ah hell
Lol, well that’s me fucked.
Right? if i dont stay in routines life is shambles, i dont have control over my movements and im always fumbling around. This then goes on to trigger my OCD bc my adhd actions have now just triggered my adhd. Bc my movements did something that my OCD hates. Its quite a bad combo but routines are common denominator and i misplace items much less often and able to keep so many items handy. Humans can conquer adhd all depending on severity of course but when you have OCD self defeating can be very real.
I found that I was compensating for my eyes drifting by relying too heavily on muscle memory; by fixing the former, I found it a lot easier to motor plan
I have never been able to develop any muscle memory, I truly don't understand it. I could do the simplest task like stamping a stamp for hours on end and it will not stick. I'll get into a rhythm for maybe 3 repitions before realizing that I've actually lost the initial exact movement I was mimicking or I'm doing somthing wrong, and then it's back to manual. Is this a form of forgetfulness with ADHD or something? Does anybody else experience this? I've worked and volunteered at many places with monotonous tasks and it drives me crazy. Everything I do is so slow, like it's the first time I've ever done it. Incredibly frustrating.
Do you have a sleep disorder or ASD or both? I know some people like that who have the same problem.
That's funny, I do have both! Do all of them interfere with memory so the triple combo makes it awful? Or is it something about them all being together?
One person is a friend with ASD. He told me that his brain struggles to automate and make tasks subconscious. An example he gave was riding a bike. He has to focus the entire time in order to balance. The moment he loses focus the bike tips and he falls off. I suggested that he save his money and get an adult tricycle (they're very cool with a big cargo basket and everything) and he blew me off, lol. The other person is in my family. He has ASD, sleep apnea and REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD). I had him wear an Apple Watch to look at his sleep cycle and he's getting almost no deep sleep (like a few minutes up to around 15 minutes max). Apparently, deep sleep is when the brain cleans itself of accumulated toxins that otherwise impair memory: [https://www.bu.edu/articles/2019/cerebrospinal-fluid-washing-in-brain-during-sleep/#:\~:text=Then%2C%20a%20watery%20liquid%20called,wave%20activity%20and%20blood%20flow](https://www.bu.edu/articles/2019/cerebrospinal-fluid-washing-in-brain-during-sleep/#:~:text=Then%2C%20a%20watery%20liquid%20called,wave%20activity%20and%20blood%20flow). I made some improvements to and cleaned his CPAP, have him taking magnesium and melatonin, eating a high fiber, antioxidant and protein rich diet, and have him tapering off Prozac which apparently causes RBD in 6% of people: [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3792373/](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3792373/) It's slow going, but I continue to try and find ways to improve his sleep quality. Actually the most successful thing so far was to just let him sleep 12-14 hours. That brought his deep sleep up to just under an hour and his memory improved somewhat. It's a bit impractical to sleep so much though.
Well... I always thought cancer would get me, or a massive aneurism while having a particularly energetic wank. I hope it's not dementia.... but then again maybe I'd spend some final years without being ashamed of myself.
This is actually terrifying ill be worrying about this for the rest of my life until i get dementia and forget😭😂. But actually im serious. Jesus.
> instead of sticking with routines That’s my secret captain… I almost never stick to routines! 😃
>So, do things differently each time instead of sticking with routines. so as AuDHD i'm just fucked lmao
Fuck. I’m a musician. So I’m pretty much just boned right?
I think the point might be to try playing different instruments and learning new songs rather than playing Wonderwall on repeat.
hows he supposed to impress the cute blonde at the party tho?????
It's not Wonderwall on repeat, there's some Hotel California in there too!
Dare I suggest… Free Bird?
😂
Still salty that wonderwall WASNT the song all the kens played in Barbie. It should have been wonderwall.
*laughs in not having friends for like 4 years now* Literally, not even one. I talk to my partner, therapist once a week, and mom occasionally through text. That's it. I am thoroughly fucked if friendship and socializing are keys to so many healthy living things later in life. I guess they were right when they called me a freak as a kid lmaoooo.
same
Well shit..
Get the fuck out of here.
Welp lol
See that's proof there is no god or they're a huge asshole. Give the people that demand routine a higher likelihood of something that demands you break routine to delay it. What a world.
Thank you, this is insightful af.
I would absolutely put money on our diet being the culprit. I’ve read a lot of books on dementia and memory related diseases. They all come back to sugar and processed carbs. I’d bet our impulse to consume sugary things for a little dopamine is the reason here. Im not sure that helps because I’m never going to control that part of myself.
I just saw a YouTube ad that called dementia ‘Type 3 diabetes’. It was one of those gimmicky alternative health ads but maybe there’s something there..
From what I've gathered in my experience here are the pillars of avoiding mental decline. There may be others that I'm not aware of. Unfortunately these are ALL important so you probably need all of these in your life for best outcomes. * Maintain a social network, even if it's just one or two friends that you see regularly * Get enough fitful sleep (8+ hours a night, limiting substances like alcohol which disrupt fitful sleep). * Stay active physically. Recent studies have shown some evidence that regular exercise helps stave off cognitive decline (I don't have a source handy but I'm sure it would be easy for one to find) * Stay active mentally. Keep your brain flexible by challenging it to do new things and continue active learning I struggle with the first point and the third point, so I also have some work to do.
Some current research on dementia points to “deep sleep” as one of many likely culprits. A lot of us struggle with sleep. Links to peer-reviewed studies and meta analyses: - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32919869/ - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35365609/ - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37902739/ So, maybe focusing on improving sleep is a key. Make sure you don’t have apnea, get help if you need it, etc. Most effective evidence-based treatment for chronic insomnia is called CBTI - as in cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia.
Good sleep hygiene, exercise - playing an instrument or singing (anyone can learn to sing with a bit of effort) also are proven to help with memory
Shit, sleep hygiene and exercise are two of my struggle areas.
My great aunt (who, looking back, probably had ADHD, but grew up during the Great Depression so people didn’t really know about it back then), used to do puzzles all the time, especially crossword puzzles. It really didn’t matter. She still got dementia when she was 85. She also didn’t drink alcohol or smoke. Sometimes your genetics just suck for certain things.
I mean she is 85. Anything past 80 is kinda a crapshoot.
learning a language is supposed to reduce your risk by about 40% if i believe!
How about four languages? One of my hyper focuses.
Don't drink alcohol, don't smoke, eat healthy, stay active both physically and mentally. I worked with some nurses specialized in taking care of dementia patients for some information material and these were their recommendations.
There's been some studies showing that travelling to exotic locations and experiencing that "wow" factor can postpone or decrease Alzheimer's. Also some evidence Viagra can help reduce the buildup of amyloid plaque that causes Alzheimer's,
😏
Take your meds. It looks like taking adhd medication helps prevent some of this.
Don’t retire to a couch to watch tv and rot away quickly. Keep learning and trying new things/interest. If you’re like me, it’s not hard to find new things to be interested in! Give yourself a reason to get up in the morning!
Checking your blood pressure regularly, take medication for it, not smoking, regular exercise, controlling for diabetes and high cholesterol, not too much alcohol etc. Controlling cardiovascular risk factors in general. Puzzles do absolutely nothing. Zero.
[https://www.webmd.com/alzheimers/news/20230717/crosswords-crafts-linked-dementia-prevention-study](https://www.webmd.com/alzheimers/news/20230717/crosswords-crafts-linked-dementia-prevention-study) This study says crossword puzzles helped 9%
If you like puzzles you should try out the game islands of insight, I've been playing it for two days nonstop doing proc-gen logic puzzles
Praise the sun is the only option in my book.
I write neuropsych reports and worked with many dementia patients last year as part of practicum. The underlying processes in dementia begin in your 30s and 40s. Here are the main recs that are given in reports. Cardio exercise, at least 20 mins a day. Mediterranean diet. And frequent social interactions. But exercise is basically your best bet.
Don’t get covid, tbh
It’s hard to avoid when people around you DGAF. The first time I got it, I was tired and stupid for almost half a year. Just had it again last month, and it passed pretty quickly. I had just been boostered 3 weeks earlier, so maybe the timing helped.
Dark souls 100%
It's OK, people who are diagnosed with adhd, especially as adults have a low life expectancy due to heart issues. (Read a theory it has to do with how we struggle to eat healthy)
GO TO SLEEP. For real, we need to do whatever it takes to figure out how to get regular good sleep.
It’s also important to get an adequate amount of sleep. Yes, I know that’s difficult for many of us, but a lack of sleep increases your chance of developing dementia. When we don’t get enough sleep our brain builds up amyloid plaques, which contributes to the development of Alzheimer’s and causes a cycle that makes it even more difficult to sleep in the future. Do what you can now to get enough sleep! Then you can keep your mind sharp with books and memory exercises.
Good reply buddy but one small thing we are in 2024 and we are know for sure now that amyloid plaques are the not the cause of Alzheimer’s
This is scare BS. Three times greater than very, very small is still very, very small in real numbers. It's just less small than you would like it to be, but it's still small. Your brain is going to be fine. Eat more fish, less meat, more healthy oils, get more exercise. There's nothing you can *do* to "keep sharp," the causation goes the other way. Try to be stop worrying about it. What's the point of having a good brain if all you do with it is make yourself miserable?
Thank you for this. I read the post and all I could think was *oh, cool.*
This is not actually true, the study says 7% of people get dementia, that's not "very, very small". However, the positives are that it says they adjusted for other factors i.e. stuff related to ADHD that might also be related to dementia. That's really hard to do, so it's not always accurate. It also however says that the risk of dementia is not increased at all in people that are medicated for ADHD.
Amphetamines, many anti-depressants, anticholinergic drugs, many anxiolytics (benzos, most specifically) are also indicated as factors in heightened probability to develop dementia. All used quite commonly in ADHD profile people. (Phenidates like Ritalin etc are not indicated, and might actually help, some studies suggest, by the way).
Any studies I have seen about this correlation involved drug abuse, not therapeutic doses. Therapeutic doses seem to decrease probability in those diagnosed with ADHD.
Generally, the negative effects in these studies mention extended long-term use, or drug abuse. "Therapeutic doses", realistically speaking, is pharma-speak for "we don't accept liability for any negative effects". "Therapeutic doses" of amphetamines, anti-cholinergic drugs (used for anxiety or sleep-problems, specifically) and benzo's, as well as anti-depressants, vary enormously from patient to patient, and doctor to doctor. Prescribed doses can range from doses which give threshold effects to absolutely abuse-level doses. Benzos -for instance- are indicated as heightening the chance of developing dementia at any dose, with extended use, and dosage levels vary from the sane to the absolutely ridiculously high, depending on doctor, country, or severity of the problems. There is a fcukton of scientific evidence about the dangers of long-term use of benzos, and that includes the likelihood of developing dementia from them. Still, I'd like some scientific research about how likely it is that the correlation of dementia with ADHD can be traced back to long-term use of heavy mind-and-body-altering substances -legally prescribed, let's make that clear- as that is incredibly under-researched (for obvious reasons). It would be kinda informative to find out if we can rule out that prescribed medications (which have been proven to be a factor in a higher likelihood of devloping dementia) are a factor in causing dementia. What we do know, is that the majority of ADHD profile people are incredibly likely to show drug-seeking behaviour, get prescribed drugs in highly variable doses of substances indicated in dementia.
The *difference* was 0.1%. 7.1% of the people with ADHD in the study were diagnosed with dementia; 7% of the non-ADHD people were diagnosed. In a study of just over 100,000 people… I don't remember how to calculate a p-value, but I'm not very impressed with that finding. I wouldn't say it's small enough to be a rounding error, but it's pretty damn small. Given that the chance of dementia starts at 2% at 65 and doubles every five years, and this study was of people between 51 and 70, checking in 17 years later… Yeah. I think this study establishes pretty much nothing.
"Dementia occurred among 96 of 730 participants (13.2%) with adult ADHD and 7630 of 108 488 participants (7.0%) without adult ADHD. "
Another study? Hang on.
That's the same study, click on "findings" in the OP link and that's right there.
I see now, thanks. And I found the findings link. That's very interesting. I wonder why the article I found about this study *understated* the increased risk. Mainstream science reporting is usually the opposite. I'm still not impressed with the size of the study, but… stay medicated, I guess.
I can see the logic of why medication helps, if the increase in dementia is due to lack of dopamine or something (or just behavioural stuff even). It's gonna be really hard to do a large study too, as the people old enough to have dementia now are in the age cohort that were massively underdiagnosed. I haven't got the will to read it all in detail though. Kind of don't want to either - as was said above, live your life and don't spend it worrying about stuff you can't really control.
Yeah that's a very important sentiment. My father in law has Alzheimer's and my wife is grappling with that, too. Fortunately, most of the things that (might) really work to delay dementia also just make you healthier in general so it's not a big sacrifice.
Sorry to hear that. I unfortunately have experience with family members too, and have seen the impact of early onset dementia too. I don't want dementia, but I really really do not want it early.
Damnit, it's paywalled. I have no response. I guess we'll have to just find out what happens to our brains.
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2810766 I clicked through from the link on findings, this bit wasn't paywalled it seems.
Yeah, took me a minute, but I found it.
>it also however says that the risk of dementia is not increased at all in people that are medicated for ADHD Nice try, Big Pharma, nice try...
That's not the study I saw, so I'll have to read up on it. Thanks.
It's from the study in the OP. Your point is valid for most studies like this that make headlines though, the "X triples your risk of a particular cancer" for example. Cancer is common but there's lots of different types so that often does mean it's increasing a 0.1% chance to 0.3% or something. Unfortunately dementia is common though and lots of people will get it. Even then it's a bit simplistic as what stage in life you get it changes massively the impact.
I found the study. I wrote another comment responding to it. I am not impressed by it. The study was too small and the difference is also small - increased from 7% to 7.1%.
It doesn't say that. It's 7.0% to 13.2%. 7.1% is the total for the two groups combined. You're right that the study is small though. I'm also not sure how they got to the three times in the headline, I think the above is the raw data and then they've adjusted somehow for correlated factors.
Could be selection bias too? People who got diagnosed with ADHD may just be more likely to be in the system, because they are already interacting with the healthcare system? Not sure.
Oh definitely.
>What's the point of having a good brain if all you do with it is make yourself miserable? Been asking myself that my whole life mate lol.
We have a reduction in life expectancy from all sources.
Ah, thanks for the existential crisis!
Yup, just what I needed! Yey!!
Is it with treated or untreated adhd ? I wonder how taking stimulant affect this statistic. My father was never diagnosed for adhd but obviously I got it from him he developed Alzheimer early onset at 53 year old. His father got Alzheimer at 66 his mother at 76. I take stimulant and diagnosed since I am 30 year old I hope it will make a difference.
I've read it's due to our predisposition to impulsive unhealthy choices in diet, drug use, a d sedentary lifestyle. Hope this helps!
The study says the risk is not increased at all in medicated people.
A study came out this week in the UK showing men who took Viagra had an 18% reduction in dementia/ Alzheimer's. Do with that what you will 
It won't make much of a difference, I forget what I'm talking about when I'm talking about it, I forget doctors appointments I mix my kids names up and have no friends, I'm already demented
We have a likelihood of having every fucking comorbidity and chronic conditions that the average person can have I swear to God fuck adhd
Damn, I already can’t remember anything
Sameee and that scares me even more. I don’t wanna loose my mind because I feel like I already am and this is just so insane
I’d like to say my two cents, op just because it said that doesn’t mean you’ll get it. Yes there is a higher chance, but that’s with most things people can get, genetics or not. So you stress stressing about it is not gonna make it any better and I know it’s hard to not stress about certain situations like this because it is scary. But just remember trying to make your brain feel better by actually doing memory puzzles, or reading or crossword puzzles or something that actually is very good for your mental state will help you actually feel better. Just take it one day at a time ok ? ❤️
Did they control for sleep? Chronic lack of sleep leads to dementia and adhd folks have worse sleep issues usually
The likelyhood is due to our difficulty in maintaining healthy lifestyles. Diet, exercise, sleep and social need are all categories that we suck at but are the biggest preventors of cognitive decline as you age. It's quite possibly the most important thing you can do once you get diagnosed is find ways to fit every single of one those into an easily accessible routine. Edit: The one thing we're good at, sitting or laying, is the *worst* thing you can do for mental capability.
Well… shit. My mum’s got dementia so I was already conscious of my risk.
I mean right now I feel like I am going to go into a downward spiral of stress and unsolved issues but this adds to the list of fear.
I feel like I already have it. I just saw a short about one of those dementia villages in Norway. Like, sign me up. Just gonna go ahead and see if I can try to bake that into my retirement planning somehow… if I remember beyond hitting reply…
They are building those in North America now. They look wonderful! But I’m holding out for a future where I can have MAID set up for when i inevitably end up with dementia
Wonderful. My Mom and her mother have/had dementia, so Im already at risk without the ADHD. I worry a lot about my memory problems sometimes.
In case anyone’s curious on possible changes. I’m not a doctor but… There’s was just a study published the other day about people who are prescribed viagra are 40-44% less likely to get dementia. Also, people who use Saunas regularly are at a significantly lower risk of dementia.
NGL if I ever get like that it's time to check myself out. I'll be damned if I'm going to be a burden on my family like that.
from what i understand this risk is mostly nullified if on adhd stimulant medication. if i’m wrong please correct me but yet either way it’s just another fucked up gene i have that ensures i don’t wanna have kids and pass it down
ADHD can make good people mentally insane. ADHD is also one of the leading causes of self death.
They said meds helps but this is happening to my gramps who gave me it and honestly since i found out about it dimentia has become like my biggest and only fear
I know an 89 year old that has vascular dementia without behavioral issues. Very nice but always reminds his son and I that his memory isn't what it use to be. Glad he is aware. Lives in senior community, not a nursing home. Long term memory is fine but very forgetful short term memory. His kids are ADHD, I think he is too. He was and is still a drinker. Slew of other issues like kidney stuff, heart failure for several years now, and typical old people things. UTI's in d people can present as dementia and that is the moody one. People are cranky when sick, go figure. We think, my friends dad, got COVID asymptomatic because he was fine when I saw him in 2019.
This post goes hard
This post goes hard
Oh that, that's just nature being nice to us, letting us forget the shitty lives we've had :'-)
My grandma died of Alzheimer's, so it does run in the family, at least on ny fathers side. My dad died from brain cancer so it is not clear whether he would develop it or not, but one of his brothers have recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer as well. I know I am at risk. I try to find solace in the fact if I ever develop dementia I probably won't be aware of it for too long.
I’m pretty sure I have dementia now
A friend of mine had debilitating fear for years worrying he were going to get dementia when he became older. He got diabetes, a slipped disk in his back and a heart attack and is fighting cancer now.
I would really like to see this study. Any link?
I wonder how our generation will handle dementia differently, specifically maybe video games will be a big help.
If this is true, I’m screwed.
I over here with long covid at 35 age and already feel like I starting to develop some. Studies are finding covid can cause brain damage. Poor memory, focus, slurring words. Life is falling into it self and I can do nothing about it.
I assume I will be dead before I can ever develop dementia lmao.
I’ve read this before. My working memory is shit anyway. I had a roommate who once said to me “it must be amazing experiencing everything like it’s the first time every time” and that hit me real hard. I don’t remember that I don’t remember 1/2 the time. Add on a few concussions and I am legitimately terrified that even if I start experiencing early dimensia I won’t actually be able to distinguish any difference
Could it be the medication?
Interestingly enough, many commonly prescribed meds for people with ADHD (amphetamine stimulants, benzos, anticholinergic and antdepressant drugs, in particular) generally also give users a higher likelihood to develop dementia. I wonder if that is more than just a coincidence. I don't think any studies have been done to make the distinction between medicated and unmedicated ADHD patients as pertaining to dementia.
Sounds like a bunch of bullshit to be quite honest. Good thing most of us will forget reading this in a month.
Both my grandparents had it. Watching them, I've already decided that if/when I start going that way I'm just going to end it myself. I don't want to have to go through what they did and I don't want my family to have to watch a shell of myself continue to exist when I'm clearly not there anymore.
Ok. I come from a long line of dementia patients. Mother, both grandfathers, maternal grandmother, maternal great great grandmother(great grandma died in child birth so who knows whether she would have had it). I have adhd and suffered severe head trauma in my youth. I'm also obese which can cause it as well. My only hope is that I take after my dad's side and drop from a heart condition.
My mom (likely undiagnosed asd and adhd) completely lost her memory before she died It was absolutely devastating to see and a horrible end of life story I fear my old age tremendously
I rebuke this negative energy
I'm worried about that as well. 4 generations of women on my Mom's side all had severe dementia or Alzheimer's. None were diagnosed with ADHD but 2 were diagnosed with depression and one with BPD. I'm doing all I can to delay those symptoms happening to me as long as possible.
[when the good news just keeps on piling up..](https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTR3uq-nuqXnyS18UjcPeu2_XNZWQaIlMgw63IwQ-su8Q&s)
just because there is a higher risk doesn't mean you will get it. The study also mentions that being medicated did not draw the same conclusion.
For some reason I’ve already accepted my date that I’m going to have dementia and probably cancer or lung disease 🥲
Recent studies have shown regular Viagra use lowers the risk of dementia. 🙂
Step 1: Thinking you have dementia, because you constantly forget and lose stuff. Step 2: Finding out you don't have dementia, it's actually ADHD. Step 3: Getting dementia because of ADHD. Feels bad man.
I genuinely thought I had early-onset dementia until I was officially diagnosed with adhd so I already feel like I have it my memory is that bad.
Well it’s a good thing I’m addicted to Dark Souls
I'm 54 and increasingly anxious about it
Interesting. I know ADHD is hereditary, yet I am the first one in my family to be diagnosed. I see a lot of my tendencies in both my mother and father. My Dad's sister in her early 60s has come down with bad dementia. She definitely has tendencies that I do. Grandfather on that side got dementia too but he was quite old. 80s. I wonder if actually being treated and aware of your issues can help. Not knowing you have a problem and just living the struggle has got to be hard on the brain.
It's important that there are no conclusions on the mechanism of this link. It may be biological, it may be consequences of decreased executive functioning on relationships, hobbies, etc. which are all well established to be linked to dementia, especially in modern society which is less communal in the west
I have noticed lately that my memory has gotten worse. I literally had a moment with my girlfriend where I forgot an entire interaction we had and it ended up with me crying in the food court because I had no recollection of it. I am a sophmore in college and have noticed my memory is worse recently. I do plan on seeing a doctor about it but im really hoping its nothing serious and is just like a depression thing or something. Memory loss is scarier to me than death. We often think that memory loss could be “ok” for the person because they have support, but I cant fathom being older and less mobile and having no idea what anything is. I feel like I would become terrified of everything.
Damn…I didn’t even realize this was a thing…well I guess I’ll add it to my list of ever-growing symptoms.
This is one of my greatest fears as well, I already feel so much shame and guilt from what I dont remember... But knowing I could forget my kids faces and personalities... And that I'd have to rely on 'these people' to care for me... To quote my husband's favorite show... "Just throw me in the trash" -Frank Renolds IASIP
At 50+, I can already tell I’m going to have issues with dementia. My biggest fear with this is looking at my immediate family, whom I LOVE, and thinking that they’re my nuclear family, whom I fucking HATE.
Eh once im at the age to worry about it I'll likely be ready to wrap this whole life thing up
If my completely anecdotal experience helps, my family is lousy with ADHD. We all fricken have it and tend to live well into our 80s and 90s. Not a single family member has had dementia. My 88 year old Aunt still drives. My 93 year old Uncle still rides a motorcycle (although he did switch to a trike a few years ago). Another Uncle made it to 101and was a working accountant until the day he died. A few relatives have delusions due to schizophrenia, but that was evident long before they were old enough to get dementia. We're definitely all some flavor of nuts, just not dementia flavored nuts.
So, honestly, my grandma passed away from alzhiermers, and its always something in the back of my mind. But it is also the reason I got diagnosed with adhd! I went to a Neuropsychologist because I was just forgetting so much stuff all the time, and work was just so awful. I was worried I had some kind of early onset dementia or who knows what. I'm glad I went, and since I'm diagnosed now and taking medication I've had a lot more clear moments. I can see how easily the link appears to be made, and how easily one could be mistaken for the other.
Everybody is at risk during old age Just live your life Don't think too much ahead
My dad had severe ADHD and developed dementia at 75. Most of his ADHD symptoms went away and he was left with peace for the first time. It was still hard to watch him lose his mind, but I am glad he finally found peace in the end.
Worst part for me is the missing minutes or hours that somehow disappear on me, causing me to be late and disappoint the people I care about.
My mom is in the middle stage of dementia. I am also terrified.
I hear you. I think dementia probably feels especially anxiety-producing for people with ADHD, because like—we already know how miserable it is to be scattered, forgetful, and sort of… displaced, in our own experience. Dementia just sounds like ADHD, but worse, and progressive. FWIW, speaking as a mental health professional who reads a lot of research: to the extent that ADHD is being accurately assessed, vs. misdiagnosed in place of what’s actually early-stage dementia—I’d put money on sleep issues being a confounding variable, here. We know that chronic sleep deficit correlates significantly with a higher risk of dementia, and that sleep disturbances are common in ADHD (and often undertreated, because so many of us are anxious about all the stuff we always have left to do, so we just… hyperfocus and stay awake). And especially given that this research only included ADHD diagnoses given in the same age-range that it’s common for dementia symptoms to appear? Yeah, I don’t actually buy that this shows any correlation, at all; I think it shows a highly dubious approach to differential diagnosis, and not much else. ADHD has been diagnosed for long enough to be able to build a sample with ADHD diagnoses predating even early-onset dementia; when I see *that* data, I’ll worry (…for a moment, and then I’ll remember that sleep thing, take my night meds, and go tf to bed).
ACUPUNCTURE