Exploring the relationship between ADHD and dementia

Abstract

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder, while dementia is a neurodegenerative disorder, both presenting with cognitive deficits and/or behavioural disturbances. Here, the authors review the evidence on similarities and differences between ADHD and dementia in terms of cognitive impairment, risk factors, genetics, neuroanatomy and neurochemical studies in the older adult population. This demonstrates a need for clinicians in memory services to be knowledgeable about ADHD in adults as the two diagnoses can be clinically differentiated by taking a careful history of symptom onset and progression.