A recent study shows that adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) might have a higher risk of developing dementia, though experts are not sure why.
The study found that people with ADHD have higher iron levels in their brain and signs of nerve damage, which are also found in people with dementia.
The research, led by Professor Paul G. Unschuld from the University of Geneva, examined 32 adults with ADHD and 29 people without it. They discovered that people with ADHD had more iron in brain areas that control thinking and movement. They also had higher levels of neurofilament light chain (NfL), a blood marker for nerve damage.
Iron is important for brain health, but too much iron can harm brain cells. As people age, iron builds up in the brain, which may lead to problems with thinking. In this study, higher iron levels in ADHD patients were linked to damage in brain cells and nerve fibers, similar to what is seen in Alzheimer’s disease.
The study suggests that excess iron and nerve damage might make people with ADHD more likely to develop dementia later in life. However, the study is small, and more research is needed to confirm these findings. The researchers hope that understanding this connection could help find ways to prevent dementia in people with ADHD.
While more studies are needed, this research helps explain why ADHD might increase dementia risk. The findings suggest that brain iron buildup and nerve damage could be important factors in understanding this link.
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- Adhd And Life: Can The Condition Change As You Age?
