# ADHD linked to higher dementia risk in aging

> Study shows people with ADHD four times more likely to develop dementia later in life.
- Title: ADHD linked to higher dementia risk in aging · Dailymail
- Summary: Study shows people with ADHD four times more likely to develop dementia later in life. People with ADHD are up to four times more likely to develop dementia…
- Keywords: adhd, dementia, memory problems, pittsburgh university, cognitive impairment, mild cognitive impairment, dementia risk, health study, news, entertainment, linked, higher
- Source: Dailymail — https://dailymail.com/health/article-16189665/People-ADHD-three-times-likely-develop-dementia-old-age-major-study-suggests.html?ito=1490&ns_campaign=1490&ns_mchannel=rss
- Published: 2026-10-07T15:00:49+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: adhd, dementia, memory problems, pittsburgh university, cognitive impairment, mild cognitive impairment, dementia risk, health study, news, entertainment
## ADHD and dementia risk
People with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, ADHD, are significantly more likely to develop dementia, a study suggests.
## Study findings
The study tracked 187,341 older adults over ten years, finding 6.7 per cent of those with ADHD developed memory problems compared to 3.4 per cent without.
## Risk increase
When adjusted for age, the increased risk doubled to four-fold, with three-fold risk for dementia diagnoses alone.
## Possible causes
Experts suggest factors like poor diet, sleep problems, physical inactivity, and known memory risks may link ADHD to dementia.
## Study limitations
The study was observational and cannot prove ADHD itself causes dementia, though it supports ADHD as a relevant factor in later-life cognitive health.
## Previous research
Separate research published in 2023 also found adults diagnosed with ADHD had an almost three-times greater risk of developing dementia.
## Theories
Researchers suggest ADHD may reduce 'cognitive reserve' or increase exposure to cumulative risk factors for cognitive impairment.
## Cognitive reserve
One theory is that ADHD impacts the brain's ability to complete tasks after aging, known as cognitive reserve.
## Cumulative risks
Another theory is that ADHD increases exposure to chronic stress, sleep problems, physical inactivity, poor diet, heart risks, and substance use.
## Dementia statistics
Almost one million Britons live with dementia, which claims 76,000 lives annually in the UK.
## ADHD prevalence
The UK estimates 2.5 million people have ADHD, with about 741,000 children and young people aged five to 24 diagnosed.
## Diagnosis trends
Diagnoses of ADHD have risen 20-fold over two decades in the UK.
## Healthy lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle reduces dementia risk, including balanced diet, exercise, healthy weight, no smoking, and blood pressure control.
## Alzheimer's Society
The Alzheimer's Society partners with the Daily Mail in Defeating Dementia Campaign to increase early diagnosis and improve care.
## Dementia support
For confidential advice, call Alzheimer's Society's Dementia Support Line on 0333 150 3456.
## Symptom check
The Alzheimer's Society offers a symptom checklist to help identify early dementia signs.
## Key takeaway

People with ADHD are up to four times more likely to develop dementia or memory problems in old age compared to those without the disorder, according to a major study.