Story perspectives

ADHD Linked to 4.6-Fold Higher Dementia Risk

By Drooid · Oct 13, 2026, 2:47 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

ADHD Linked to Dementia

University of Pittsburgh researchers found adults with ADHD have over fourfold higher dementia risk.
The analysis used electronic health records of more than 187,000 U.S. adults aged 50 or older.
Cognitive impairment affected 6.7% of participants with ADHD versus 3.4% without.
Adjusted models showed ADHD associated with a 4.6-fold higher hazard of cognitive impairment (HR = 4.60, P < .001).
The highest ADHD polygenic risk quintile faced a 35% greater hazard of dementia (HR = 1.35).

Summary

Cooper Announces Strategy

The review found 560,000 people on ADHD assessment waiting lists in 2025.
Private ADHD assessment costs rose 252 % over three years, outpacing regulatory oversight.
Health Secretary Yvette Cooper pledged a new Mental Health Strategy for early, needs-based support.
The report called for all ADHD and autism assessments to become Care Quality Commission regulated.
Sir Simon Wessely warned system pressure raises misdiagnosis risk in brief, remote assessments.

1 of 2

ADHD Linked to Dementia

University of Pittsburgh researchers found adults with ADHD have over fourfold higher dementia risk.
The analysis used electronic health records of more than 187,000 U.S. adults aged 50 or older.
Cognitive impairment affected 6.7% of participants with ADHD versus 3.4% without.
Adjusted models showed ADHD associated with a 4.6-fold higher hazard of cognitive impairment (HR = 4.60, P < .001).
The highest ADHD polygenic risk quintile faced a 35% greater hazard of dementia (HR = 1.35).

1 / 2