A groundbreaking study by Geneva University Hospitals (HUG) and the University of Geneva (UNIGE) has found that adults with attention deficit disorder (ADHD), with or without hyperactivity, exhibit brain changes similar to those seen in dementia.
The findings, published in Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, suggest that ADHD may increase the risk of developing dementia later in life.
The study finds ADHD patients have increased iron in specific brain regions and higher blood levels of neurofilament light chain protein (NfL), both markers associated with Alzheimer’s and other dementias.
The study used quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) MRI and blood tests to analyze 32 adults with ADHD and 29 healthy controls aged 25–45.
A significant correlation was found between iron levels in the precentral cortex and NfL in blood.
Excessive brain iron can cause oxidative stress and neuron damage, contributing to neurodegenerative diseases.
Elevated NfL levels indicate axonal damage, reinforcing concerns about long-term cognitive decline in ADHD patients. This study provides the first evidence of a neurological mechanism possibly linking ADHD with dementia.
The research underscores the importance of early detection and effective management of ADHD to mitigate long-term risks.
Professor Paul G. Unschuld suggests that lifestyle interventions could help regulate brain iron levels, opening doors to potential dementia prevention strategies.
Future longitudinal studies are needed to explore whether reducing brain iron can lower dementia risk in individuals with ADHD. This research also supports integrating proactive cognitive health strategies into ADHD treatment plans.
If you care about autism, please read studies about food additives and ADHD, and natural fixes for ADHD.
For more health information, please see recent studies about nutrition’s role in managing ADHD, and this type of food may contribute to autism.
Copyright © 2025 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
