---
title: "ADHD and dementia risk: new study links ADHD to later-life cognitive impairment"
id: "medical-news-today-1-is-adhd-a-risk-factor-for-dementia-new-research-suggests-it-might-be"
canonical_url: "https://medichelpline.com/clinical-feed/medical-news-today-1-is-adhd-a-risk-factor-for-dementia-new-research-suggests-it-might-be"
content_type: "clinical_feed_article"
specialty: "Neurology"
source_name: "Medical News Today"
source_url: "https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/adhd-risk-factor-dementia-new-research-suggests-might-be/"
published_at: "2026-10-15T12:12:00.000Z"
evidence_level: "Verified Feed"
license: "CC-BY-NC-4.0 / Informational Use"
---
# ADHD and dementia risk: new study links ADHD to later-life cognitive impairment
## Provenance & Clinical Metadata
- **Canonical URL:** https://medichelpline.com/clinical-feed/medical-news-today-1-is-adhd-a-risk-factor-for-dementia-new-research-suggests-it-might-be
- **Specialty:** [Neurology](https://medichelpline.com/clinical-feed/neurology.md)
- **Primary Source:** Medical News Today
- **Source URL:** [Original Journal Publication](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/adhd-risk-factor-dementia-new-research-suggests-might-be/)
- **Published At:** 2026-10-15T12:12:00.000Z
- **Evidence Rating:** Verified Feed
## Executive GIST (TL;DR)
- Researchers analyzed electronic health records and genomic data from 187,341 adults aged 50+ enrolled in the NIH All of Us Research Program. - Of the cohort, 3,026 participants had a clinical diagnosis of **ADHD**; investigators tracked later development of **mild cognitive impairment** and dementia-related outcomes. - The cohort showed 6.7% of people with ADHD developing cognitive impairment versus 3.4% without ADHD, yielding an observed more-than-fourfold increased risk for cognitive impairment among those with ADHD. - After adjustment for age, sex, and comorbid conditions, the association between clinically defined ADHD and cognitive impairment persisted, investigators reported. - Authors also computed a polygenic or genetic risk score for **ADHD**; those with the highest genetic risk had a 35% greater odds of developing **dementia** compared with those at lowest genetic risk. - The study appears in **JAMA Psychiatry** and was led by teams at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine; co-first author Douglas Teixeira Leffa commented on the complementary evidence provided by clinical and genetic definitions of ADHD. - The current analysis did not test biological mechanisms linking **ADHD** to later cognitive decline; the source article notes prior imaging work may offer clues but did not report those methods or findings in full. - Authors concluded that longer-term studies are needed to clarify causal pathways, and the source stressed that mechanisms remain unconfirmed by this dataset.
## Clinical Analysis & Structured Key Points
[Skip to main content](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/adhd-risk-factor-dementia-new-research-suggests-might-be#main) [Medical News Today](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/) * Health Conditions Health Conditions * [Alzheimer's & Dementia](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/alzheimers-and-dementia) * [Anxiety](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/anxiety) * [Asthma & Allergies](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/asthma-and-allergies) * [Atopic Dermatitis](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/program/investigating-atopic-dermatitis) * [Breast Cancer](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/breast-cancer) * [Cancer](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/cancer) * [Cardiovascular Health](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/cardiovascular-health) * [COVID-19](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/coronavirus?correlationId=2b137d5a-dcfb-464e-9ea6-72c5a54b4e92) * [Diabetes](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/diabetes) * [Endometriosis](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/endometriosis) * [Environment & Sustainability](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/environment-and-sustainability) * [Exercise & Fitness](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/exercise-and-fitness) * [Eye Health](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/eye-health) * [Headache & Migraine](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/headache-and-migraine) * [Health Equity](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/health-equity) * [HIV & AIDS](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/hiv-and-aids) * [Human Biology](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/human-biology) * [Leukemia](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/leukemia) * [LGBTQIA+](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/LGBTQIA) * [Men's Health](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/mens-health) * [Mental Health](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/mental-health) * [Multiple Sclerosis (MS)](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/multiple-sclerosis) * [Nutrition](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/nutrition) * [Parkinson's Disease](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/parkinsons-disease) * [Psoriasis](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/psoriasis) * [Sexual Health](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/sexual-health) * [Ulcerative Colitis](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/program/investigating-ulcerative-colitis) * [Women's Health](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/womens-health) * Health Products Health Products [All](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/products-and-reviews) * [Nutrition & Fitness](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/products-and-reviews/nutrition-and-fitness-products) * [Vitamins & Supplements](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/products-and-reviews/vitamin-and-supplement-products) * [CBD](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/products-and-reviews/cbd-products) * [Sleep](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/products-and-reviews/sleep-products) * [Mental Health](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/products-and-reviews/mental-health-services-and-products) * [At-Home Testing](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/products-and-reviews/at-home-testing-products) * [Men’s Health](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/products-and-reviews/mens-health-products) * [Women’s Health](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/products-and-reviews/womens-health-products) * Discover News * [Latest News](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/news) * [Medicare 2026 Costs](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/medicare-costs-3-key-changes-in-2026) Original Series * [Medical Myths](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/content-series/medical-myths) * [Honest Nutrition](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/content-series/honest-nutrition) * [Through My Eyes](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/content-series/through-my-eyes) * [New Normal Health](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/content-series/new-normal-health) Podcasts [All](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/in-conversation-podcast) * [ADHD in women: Breaking the stereotypes](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/adhd-women-breaking-stereotypes-masking-attention-disorder) * [Is sleep the missing piece in mental health?](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/is-sleep-the-missing-piece-in-mental-health) * [Artificial sweeteners and brain aging: What we know so far](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/artificial-sweeteners-and-brain-aging-what-we-know-so-far) * [Does the Mediterranean diet hold the key to longevity?](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/does-the-mediterranean-diet-hold-the-key-to-longevity) * [AMA: Registered dietitian answers 5 key questions about fiber and weight loss](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/can-fiber-help-lose-weight-dietitian-answers-5-key-questions) * [Health misinformation and disinformation: How to avoid it](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/health-misinformation-and-disinformation-how-to-avoid-it) * Tools General Health * [Drugs A-Z](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/drugs) * [Health Hubs](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/content-hubs) * [Newsletter](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/newsletter) * [Medicare Plans by State](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/about/health-medicare-state-coverage) Health Tools * [Find a Doctor](https://connect.medicalnewstoday.com/) * [BMI Calculators and Charts](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323586) * [Blood Pressure Chart: Ranges and Guide](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/327077) * [Breast Cancer: Self-Examination Guide](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/316898) * [Sleep Calculator](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/sleep-calculator) Quizzes * [RA Myths vs Facts](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/science-fact-or-fiction-separating-ra-myths-from-facts#1) * [Type 2 Diabetes: Managing Blood Sugar](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/managing-blood-sugar-type-2-diabetes-quiz#1) * [Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or Fiction](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/complementary-therapies-for-as-quiz#1) * Connect About Medical News Today * [Who We Are](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/about) * [Our Editorial Process](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/process) * [Content Integrity](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/about/content-integrity) * [Conscious Language](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/about/conscious-language) Find Community * [Bezzy Breast Cancer](https://www.bezzybc.com/lp/2/?verzenio&utm_source=mnt&utm_medium=nav-bar-connect) * [Bezzy MS](https://www.bezzyms.com/?utm_source=mnt&utm_medium=nav-bar-connect) * [Bezzy Migraine](https://www.bezzymigraine.com/?utm_source=mnt&utm_medium=nav-bar-connect) * [Bezzy Psoriasis](https://www.bezzypsoriasis.com/?utm_source=mnt&utm_medium=nav-bar-connect) Follow Us [](https://www.facebook.com/MedicalNewsToday/)[](https://x.com/mnt)[](https://www.instagram.com/medicalnewstoday/)[](https://www.linkedin.com/company/mednewstoday/?originalSubdomain=ec)[](https://flipboard.com/@MedNewsToday) Subscribe Explore more in Dementia * Diagnosis * Diet * Prevention * Causes & Risk Factors * Complications * Home Remedies * Management * Prognosis * Related Conditions * Stages * Symptoms * Treatment * Types Dementia Related Topics * Diagnosis Diagnosis Related Articles * [Diagnosis Overview](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/how-is-dementia-diagnosed) * [Diagnosis Overview](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/tests-for-dementia) * [MoCA Test](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/moca-test-for-dementia) * [Cognitive Tests](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/cognitive-test-for-dementia) * [Self-Awareness](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/do-people-with-dementia-know-they-have-it) * [SLUMS Test](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/s-l-u-m-s-test) * [FAST Scale](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/fast-scale-dementia) * [SAGE Test](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/sage-test-for-dementia) * [For Lewy Body Dementia](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/how-is-lewy-body-dementia-diagnosed) * [Brain Scans](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/brain-scan-for-dementia) * Diet Diet Related Articles * [Diet Overview](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/best-foods-for-dementia-patients-to-eat) * [Prevention Diet](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/foods-that-prevent-dementia) * Prevention Prevention Related Articles * [Prevention Overview](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/prevention-of-dementia) * Causes & Risk Factors Causes & Risk Factors Related Articles * [Statins](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/statins-and-dementia-is-there-a-link) * [Medications](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/common-drugs-linked-to-increased-risk-of-alzheimers) * [Chemotherapy](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/can-chemo-cause-dementia) * [Genetics](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/does-dementia-run-in-families) * Complications Complications Related Articles * [Confabulation](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/confabulation-dementia) * [Appetite Loss](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/dementia-patient-not-eating) * [After Stroke](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/dementia-after-stroke) * [Senility](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/senile) * [Bladder Control](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/dementia-and-overactive-bladder) * [Sleep](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/dementia-and-sleep-what-do-we-know-about-this-link) * Home Remedies Home Remedies Related Articles * [CBD Oil](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/cbd-oil-and-dementia) * Management Management Related Articles * [Care Homes](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/when-should-someone-with-dementia-go-into-a-care-home) * [Melatonin](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/melatonin-and-dementia) * [Caring for Parents](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/how-to-deal-with-dementia-parent) * [Proprioception Exercises](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/proprioception-exercises) * [Memory Book](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/memory-book-for-dementia-patients) * [Occupational Therapy](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/dementia-occupational-therapy) * [Ideas for Caregivers](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/dementia-activities) * [Communication](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/how-to-talk-to-someone-with-dementia) * Prognosis Prognosis Related Articles * [How Long Does It Last?](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/how-long-does-dementia-last) * [Life Expectancy](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/dementia-how-long-can-a-person-live-without-eating-or-drinking) * [Is Lewy Body Dementia Fatal?](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/is-lewy-body-dementia-fatal) * [Power Of Attorney](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/how-to-change-power-of-attorney-for-someone-with-dementia) * [Activities for Patients](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/best-activities-for-someone-with-dementia) * [Is It Reversible?](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/is-dementia-reversible) * [Life Expectancy](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/how-do-you-die-from-dementia) * [Dementia at a Young Age](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/can-you-get-dementia-at-a-young-age) * Related Conditions Related Conditions Related Articles * [Diogenes Syndrome](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/314595) * [Bipolar Disorder](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/bipolar-and-dementia) * [Vs. Alzheimer's Disease](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323283) * [Aphasia](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/aphasia-dementia) * [OCD](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/ocd-and-dementia) * [Lewy Body Dementia Vs. Alzheimer's](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/lewy-body-dementia-vs-alzheimers) * [Vs. Delirium](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/delirium-vs-dementia) * [Vs. Mild Cognitive Impairment](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/mci-versus-dementia) * Stages Stages Related Articles * [Aggressive Stage](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/how-long-does-the-aggressive-stage-of-dementia-last) * [Progression](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/314209) * [Advanced Dementia](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/advanced-dementia) * [End Stage](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/end-stage-dementia) * Symptoms Symptoms Related Articles * [Posturing](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/what-is-dementia-posturing) * [Sudden Worsening of Symptoms](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/sudden-worsening-of-dementia-symptoms) * [Anger at Loved Ones](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/dementia-and-anger-at-loved-ones) * [Early Signs](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324516) * [Paranoia](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/dementia-paranoia) * [Hallucinations](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hallucinations-and-dementia) * [Incontinence](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/dementia-incontinence-stage) * [Proprioception](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/what-is-proprioception-in-dementia) * [Terminal Lucidity](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/terminal-lucidity-dementia) * [In Older Adults](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/elderly-dementia-symptoms) * [Sundowning in Dementia](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/what-stage-of-dementia-is-sundowning) * [In Females](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/early-signs-of-dementia-in-women) * [Behavioral Disturbances](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/dementia-with-behavioral-disturbances) * [Lewy Body Dementia Symptoms](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/lewy-body-dementia-crying) * [Dementia Wandering](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/dementia-wandering) * [In the Black Community](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/dementia-in-the-black-community) * [In the Asian Community](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/dementia-in-the-asian-community) * [UTIs](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/uti-and-dementia) * Treatment Treatment Related Articles * [Risperidone](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/risperidone-dementia) * [Therapies](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/dementia-therapies) * Types Types Related Articles * [Lewy Body](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/lewy-body-dementia-stages) * [Vascular](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/vascular-dementia) * [Mixed](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/mixed-dementia) * [Frontemporal](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/316113) * [Cortical](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/cortical-dementia) * [Subcortical](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/subcortical-dementia) * [Semantic](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/semantic-dementia) * [Progressive](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/progressive-dementia) * [Multi-Infarct](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/multi-infarct-dementia) # Is ADHD a risk factor for dementia? New research suggests it might be ![](https://i0.wp.com/post.medicalnewstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/06/500x500_Maria_Cohut.png?w=105&h=105) Written by Maria Cohut, Ph.D. on October 15, 2026 — Fact checked by Jill Seladi-Schulman, Ph.D. ![Pensive Mature Japanese Man Sitting by Rainy Window](https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/10/getty_2222745186_header_1296x728-1024x575.jpg)[Share on Pinterest](https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.medicalnewstoday.com%2Farticles%2Fadhd-risk-factor-dementia-new-research-suggests-might-be&media=https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.post.rvohealth.io%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fsites%2F3%2F2026%2F10%2Fgetty_2222745186_header_1296x728-1024x575.jpg&description=ADHD%3A%20Could%20it%20contribute%20to%20cognitive%20impairment%20risk%3F "Share on Pinterest")Why is there a link between ADHD and higher cognitive impairment risk? Researchers are working to find answers. Edwin Tan/ Getty Images * **Recent research has found a link between ADHD and a heightened risk of cognitive decline, which, in turn, is a risk factor for dementia.** * **The study also found that individuals who have high genetic risk for ADHD have a heightened dementia risk, as well.** * **Longer-term studies are needed to confirm the potential mechanisms behind this striking association.** New research led by scientists from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine (UMPC) has found that adults with [attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323667) have a heightened risk of [mild cognitive impairment](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/mild-cognitive-impairment-mci) in later life. Mild cognitive impairment is characterized by memory issues and a slight decline in thinking skills, and can be a risk factor for developing [dementia](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/142214). The study findings appear in [JAMA PsychiatryTrusted Source](https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/2854889). Speaking to _Medical News Today_ , [Douglas Teixeira Leffa](https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Douglas-Leffa), MD, PhD, co-first author of this study, psychiatry resident at UPMC at the time when this study was conducted, explained what motivated the research team to investigate this association. “Researchers have been seeing this link for a while, and what this study adds is a stronger look at it,” said Teixeira Leffa. “We observed this association both when ADHD was defined clinically and when we examined an estimate of genetic liability to ADHD, which provides complementary evidence that the relationship is not simply explained by how ADHD is diagnosed or recorded in healthcare settings,” the study author explained. ## 35% greater odds of dementia with highest ADHD genetic risk For this study, the research team analyzed the electronic health records and genomic data of 187,341 adults ages 50 and older from the [All of Us Research ProgramTrusted Source](https://www.nih.gov/allofus) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Of this cohort, 3,026 participants had ADHD. In the first instance, the researchers found that 6.7% of participants with ADHD developed cognitive impairment as they got older, while only 3.4% of participants without ADHD experienced the same. They concluded that people with ADHD had a more than four-fold higher risk of cognitive impairment compared with their neurotypical peers. The increase in risk remained stable even after the researchers accounted for confounding factors including age, biological sex, and comorbidities. **When they calculated participants’ genetic risk score for ADHD, the research team further found that those with the highest genetic risk for this neurodivergent profile had 35% greater odds of developing dementia than those with the lowest genetic risk for ADHD.** ## Why is ADHD linked to cognitive impairment risk? The current study did not look at the potential mechanism behind the link between ADHD and cognitive impairment risk but previous research from a different team of scientists may offer some subtle clues. A study conducted by researchers from the Geneva University Hospitals and the University of Geneva (UNIGE), in Switzerland – which appeared in [Psychiatry and Clinical NeuroscienceTrusted Source](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/pcn.13806) in 2025 — used a brain imaging method known as quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to search fo
## Related Clinical Research

- [Over 8 Hours Weekly Physical Activity Associated with Slower Parkinson's Progression](https://medichelpline.com/clinical-feed/medical-news-today-0-over-8-hours-of-weekly-activity-linked-to-slower-parkinson-s-progression-over.md)
- [Insomnia linked to higher risk of stroke and hospital admission, major review finds](https://medichelpline.com/clinical-feed/medical-news-today-0-major-review-links-insomnia-to-increased-risk-of-hospitalization-and-stroke.md)
- [Climate change worsens health for people with chronic illness](https://medichelpline.com/clinical-feed/stat-news-1-opinion-climate-change-is-making-people-with-chronic-illness-even-sicker.md)
- [Bupropion Hydrochloride for Improving Recovery in Acute Ischaemic Stroke: BASE Trial Protocol](https://medichelpline.com/clinical-feed/bmj-open-4-protocol-for-base-a-multicentre-double-blind-randomised-controlled-trial-of.md)
- [Medicare expands ACCESS pilot to cover more chronic conditions and lists 39 providers](https://medichelpline.com/clinical-feed/stat-news-1-stat-medicare-to-expand-its-pilot-that-pays-for-technology-to-manage-chronic.md)

## Navigation
- [← Back to Neurology Feed](https://medichelpline.com/clinical-feed/neurology.md)
- [← All Clinical Specialties](https://medichelpline.com/clinical-feed.md)
## Medical & Regulatory Disclaimer

> [!CAUTION]
> MedicHelpline content is structured for research, educational, and professional discovery purposes. It does not constitute individual medical advice, clinical diagnosis, or treatment recommendations.
> Always verify dosing, contraindications, and regulatory alerts against official product labeling and primary regulatory sources before clinical decision-making.