THE ESSENTIAL
- ADHD is generally diagnosed in childhood but can persist in people over 50.
- ADHD is underdiagnosed in seniors and therefore often goes untreated.
- However, suffering from ADHD can lead to a higher risk of developing certain age-related illnesses.
Attention deficit disorder with or without hyperactivity (ADHD) is generally associated with children. It appears during childhood but can also affect adults, including seniors. A study carried out by a doctoral student from the University ofÖrebro (Suede) highlights the need for better care for patients over 50 with ADHD since they have a higher risk of developing certain diseases as they age than their peers without ADHD.
The ADHD is undervalued in people over 50
House Dobrosavljevic underlines in his thesis that this neurodevelopmental disorder is undervalued in those over 50. Very few of them receive treatment. She specifies: “a considerable number of older adults report high levels of ADHD symptoms, while the prevalence of treated ADHD is less than half the prevalence of clinically diagnosed ADHD.”
The results are based on data from international registries and studies of more than 20 million people, including 41,000 diagnosed with ADHD.
“One of the reasons many older people go undiagnosed is that symptoms are often confused with the natural process of aging or the early stages of dementia”said the scientist in a press release from her university published in September 2023.
ADHD causes a higher risk of diseases after age 50
The expert's work also found that adults with ADHD are at increased risk of certain age-related illnesses. They risk developing dementia, high blood pressure, heart failure, stroke, type 2 diabetes and even obesity.
“People with ADHD were at significantly higher risk of developing dementia and mild cognitive impairment, which affected their ability to remember, take in and process information,” complete Maja Dobrosavljevic.
Furthermore, other psychiatric pathologies as well as drug addiction also increase the risk of suffering from cardiovascular disease in people with ADHD. “This is something doctors may need to consider in combination with other risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as smoking, high blood pressure and diabetes.“
TDAH et seniors: it is important to communicate about this disorder
For the scientist, it is essential to raise awareness among health professionals and the general public about the presence of the disease among those over 50.
“Raising awareness of ADHD in this age group is important because it allows for proper diagnosis and adequate treatment for more people. By doing so, we can prevent them from developing serious health problems later in life.”she concludes.
According to Harvard Hospital, the most common symptoms in seniors suffering from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are :
- a disorganization: they may also have poor time management;
- of the forgetfulness, memorization problems;
- of the difficulty planning and completing tasks;
- of the concentration problems;
- a restlessness, impatience;
- a difficulty paying attention during conversations;
- a difficulty maintaining relationships;
- a inability to sit still for a long time.
