Adults with ADHD are at increased risk for developing dementia

Adults with ADHD are at increased risk for developing dementia
Rutgers researcher explores ADHD’s link to dementia and if risks can be mitigated with ADHD treatment

Adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are nearly three times more likely to develop dementia than adults without ADHD, according to a Rutgers study.

The study, coauthored by Michal Schnaider Beeri, director of the Herbert and Jacqueline Krieger Klein Alzheimer’s Research Center at Rutgers Brain Health Institute (BHI) was published in JAMA Network Open. It followed more than 100,000 older adults in Israel over 17 years to examine if adults with ADHD are at increased risk for dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease.

Although more than 3 percent of the adult population in the United States has ADHD, there is limited research on this group.

“By determining if adults with ADHD are at higher risk for dementia and if medications and/or lifestyle changes can affect risks, the outcomes of this research can be used to better inform caregivers and clinicians,” said Beeri, the Krieger Klein Endowed Chair in Neurodegeneration Research at BHI and a faculty member of the Rutgers Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research.

Using data from a national cohort study of more than 100,000 people who were followed from 2003 to 2020, researchers analyzed those with and without ADHD and the occurrence of dementia among the groups as they aged. Researchers found the presence of adult ADHD was associated with a significantly higher risk of dementia even when other risk factors for dementia were taken into account, such as cardiovascular conditions.

ADHD in adults may materialize as a neurological process that reduces the ability for them to compensate for the effects of cognitive decline later in life, researchers said.

“Physicians, clinicians and caregivers who work with older adults should monitor ADHD symptoms and associated medications,” said Abraham Reichenberg, a professor at the Department of Psychiatry at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and senior author of the study.

“Symptoms of attention deficit and hyperactivity in old age shouldn’t be ignored and should be discussed with physicians,” said Stephen Levine, a professor at the School of Public Health at the University of Haifa.

Additionally, the research suggests ADHD treatment incorporating psychostimulants may help reduce the risk of dementia in adults with ADHD as psychostimulants are known to modify the trajectory of cognitive impairment. But researchers said future studies should examine in more detail the impact of medications in patients with ADHD and how they could affect risk.

A new ally in fighting brain diseases: our very own skull

Immune cells in blue and vessels in pink in the bone marrow of the skull

The image provides a captivating view of the intricacy and interconnectedness of the human skull. Through the use of advanced tissue clearing techniques and imaging with a light sheet fluorescent microscope, the sample has been labeled to highlight myeloid immune cells (shown in cyan) and vessels (shown in pink). The skull bone marrow cavities are populated by myeloid immune cells, while the vessels create a complex network throughout the skull, showcasing the dynamic nature of this vital anatomical structure. CREDIT Copyright Cell Press | ©Kolabas et al.

Alzheimer’s, stroke, multiple sclerosis and other neurological diseases cause severe damage due to neuroinflammation mediated by immune cells. Managing this inflammation poses a significant medical challenge because the brain is protected by the skull and additional surrounding membranes that make the brain less accessible for treatment approaches. Scientists had previously discovered pathways going from the bone marrow of the skull towards the brain, allowing immune cell movement. Now, new research revealed that cells in the skull’s bone marrow are unique in their composition and in their disease response. These findings offer new possibilities for the diagnosis and treatment of neurological diseases and revolutionize brain health monitoring in the future with non-invasive skull imaging. The results are now published in Cell.

Neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s, stroke, and multiple sclerosis have a devastating impact on the lives of millions worldwide. A common feature is neuroinflammation, an internal “fire” in the brain that can cause severe damage by activation of immune cells and release of inflammatory molecules. However, due to the brain’s relative inaccessibility, as it is shielded by the skull and three additional layers of protection in the form of membranes, controlling and monitoring this inflammation has been a major challenge. A team of scientists around Prof. Ali Ertürk at Helmholtz Munich in collaboration with researchers from the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU) and the Technical University of Munich (TUM) sought to address this unmet need.

Not Just a Helmet: The Intricate Connection Between the Skull and Brain

Defying traditional understanding that the skull and the brain have no direct interchange, recent studies have unveiled direct connections between the skull’s bone marrow and the brain’s outermost surface of the protective membranes, the meningeal surface. These connections act as conduits, facilitating the movement of immune cells back and forth. The team of scientists found that these connections often traverse even through the outermost and toughest layer of membrane, the dura, opening up even closer to the brain surface than previously thought. To achieve these significant findings, the team utilized a specialized method called tissue clearing in combination with 3D imaging to visualize the conduits. During the tissue clearing process biological tissues are treated with a specific solution to render them transparent enabling the passage of light for the examination of both brain tissue and the skull under a microscope. As a result, 3D images of structures and cells were generated, leading to a comprehensive visual analysis.

The research team probed even deeper into the distinct role the skull-based immune cells play in brain physiology and diseases. They began by questioning if the skull harbors unique brain-specific cells and molecules that cannot be found in other bones. Extensive analysis of the RNA and protein content in the form of transcriptomics and proteomics analyses of both mouse and human bones affirmed this – the skull is indeed exceptional, hosting unique neutrophil immune cells, which are a type of white blood cell that play a critical role in the immune system’s defense. “These findings carry profound implications, suggesting a far more complex connection between the skull and the brain than previously believed” highlights the first author of the study Ilgin Kolabas, Ph.D.-student at the Ertürk lab at Helmholtz Munich.

Ali Ertürk, corresponding author, adds: “This opens up a myriad of possibilities for diagnosing and treating brain diseases and has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of neurological diseases. This breakthrough could lead to more effective monitoring of conditions such as Alzheimer’s and stroke, and potentially even aid in preventing the onset of these diseases by enabling early detection.”

Envisioning a New Future: From Research to Clinical Practice

Another impactful finding was that using PET imaging, the researchers discovered that signals from the skull mirrored those from the underlying brain, with changes in these signals corresponding to disease progression in patients with Alzheimer’s and stroke. Thereby showcasing a new potential to monitor brain inflammation simply by scanning the surface of the patient’s head.

Looking forward, the researchers envision that their findings could translate to clinical practice in the form of non-invasive skull imaging. Ali Ertürk explains the impact on disease monitoring: “This could potentially be done using portable and wearable devices, offering a more accessible and practical way to monitor brain health”. The team hopes that this approach will greatly improve the diagnosis, monitoring, and possibly even treatment of neurological disorders, bringing us a step closer to more effective management of these devastating conditions.

Opting for olive oil could boost brain health

A new study suggests that incorporating olive oil into your diet could help reduce the risk of dying from dementia. As many countries face rising rates of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, the study offers hope that healthy lifestyle factors such as diet can help to prevent or slow the progression of these devastating conditions.

“Our study reinforces dietary guidelines recommending vegetable oils such as olive oil and suggests that these recommendations not only support heart health but potentially brain health, as well,” said Anne-Julie Tessier, RD, PhD, a postdoctoral fellow at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. “Opting for olive oil, a natural product, instead of fats such as margarine and commercial mayonnaise is a safe choice and may reduce the risk of fatal dementia.”

Tessier will present the findings at NUTRITION 2023, the flagship annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition held July 22–25 in Boston.

Dementia includes a range of conditions in which impairments in thinking or memory affect a person’s daily activities. Alzheimer’s, a progressive and fatal disease affecting an estimated 5.7 million Americans, is the most common form of dementia.

Dr. Anne-Julie Tessier

Anne-Julie Tessier, RD, PhD, postdoctoral fellow at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health CREDIT Anne-Julie Tessier

The study is the first to investigate the relationship between diet and dementia-related death. Scientists analyzed dietary questionnaires and death records collected from more than 90,000 Americans over three decades, during which 4,749 study participants died from dementia.

The results indicated that people who consumed more than half a tablespoon of olive oil per day had a 28% lower risk of dying from dementia compared with those who never or rarely consumed olive oil. In addition, replacing just one teaspoon of margarine and mayonnaise with the equivalent amount of olive oil per day was associated with an 8-14% lower risk of dying from dementia.

Research suggests that people who regularly use olive oil instead of processed or animal fats tend to have healthier diets overall. However, Tessier noted that the relationship between olive oil and dementia mortality risk in this study was independent of overall diet quality. This may suggest that olive oil has properties that are uniquely beneficial for brain health.

“Some antioxidant compounds in olive oil can cross the blood-brain barrier, potentially having a direct effect on the brain,” said Tessier. “It is also possible that olive oil has an indirect effect on brain health by benefiting cardiovascular health.”

Previous studies have linked higher olive oil intake with a lower risk of heart disease. Incorporating olive oil as part of a Mediterranean dietary pattern has also been shown to help protect against cognitive decline.

Tessier cautioned that the research is observational and does not prove that olive oil is the cause of the reduced risk of fatal dementia. Additional studies such as randomized controlled trials would be needed to confirm the effects and determine the optimal quantity of olive oil to consume in order to reap these benefits. Overall, however, the study aligns with dietary recommendations and bolsters the evidence that using olive oil in place of margarine or mayonnaise can help to support a healthy diet.

Tai Chi Chuan may be effective against cognitive decline, a study suggests


Mild cognitive impairment (MCI), the transition period before dementia, have shown a tendency to go hand-in-hand with Type 2 diabetes (T2D); about 45% of individuals with T2D also have MCI. Tai Chi Chuan is an increasingly popular multimodal mind-body exercise consisting of slow, deliberate physical movements combined with meditative practices. Researchers from the Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine have found using 24-form simplified Tai Chi Chuan shows increased cognitive function and physical markers in those with T2D and MCI over a traditional fitness walking group over a 36-week time period, making Tai Chi Chuan a potentially viable exercise program to reduce effects of T2D and subsequently, MCI leading to dementia.


Researchers found after 36 weeks the Tai Chi Chuan group displayed more markers of improvement than the fitness walking group and control group, though notable differences between the groups were not yet seen after 24 weeks, indicating improvement in biomarkers and cognition may not occur until after this point.

This study has found that Tai Chi Chuan is is more effective than fitness walking in improving global cognition for older adults with T2D and MCI, which we think is important for the public to learn and has clinical reference significance for the healthcare staff.

All groups were given an educational seminar on managing T2D and the benefits of diet and exercise for improving the condition. Participants in each group, except the control group which had no change in lifestyle, performed either Tai Chi Chuan or fitness walking for 60 minutes each time three times a week under the instruction and supervision of a medical health professional.  

Changes were measured initially to get a baseline, and at the 24-week mark and 36-week mark using fasted blood glucose levels and other metabolic markers along with measuring Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores to determine cognitive function comparable to a global scale. MoCA is on a scale of 0-30, with a higher score indicating higher cognitive function. By the end of the 36-week study, the tai chi group had an average 3.29 point improvement in MoCA score compared to the baseline. The fitness walking group only improved by 2.32 points, with improvement slowing dramatically between the 24 and 36-week period with a 0.29 point increase compared to a -0.68 point increase in the Tai Chi Chuan group.

The ultimate goal is to establish a more scientific Tai Chi Chuan training program for the older adults with T2D and MCI and decrease the incidence of progression to dementia in this population.

Further research is needed to reach this goal. A limitation of the study is the short follow-up period after the study was over, which does not give information on the longevity of this type of treatment. Additionally, since both activity groups were also given educational seminars on the benefits of exercise, this could have introduced a bias into the study. Fortunately, researchers did report a high adherence rate to the exercises after the study concluded.

Studying the effects of Tai Chi Chuan on a larger sample size with fewer restrictions can help gain insight into the possible benefits of the exercise that may extend to other groups of people that do not meet the narrow criteria of the original study, but would benefit from interventions that promote better physical and cognitive health.

Amazing technology that is making diagnosis and treatment easier

There are so many amazing pieces of technology out there these days that it is hard to keep track of them all. However, one area where technology has really taken off is in the diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. From cancer to Alzheimer’s, new technologies are constantly being developed that make it easier for doctors to pinpoint and treat diseases. Here are just a few examples of the amazing technologies that are making a difference in the world of healthcare.

Cancer Detection Technology

There has been a lot of progress made in recent years in the detection of cancer. One of the most promising pieces of technology is called CTCs, or circulating tumor cells. These are cells that have broken away from a tumor and are circulating in the bloodstream. By testing for these cells, doctors can often detect cancer much earlier than with traditional methods. This can lead to more successful treatments and better outcomes for patients.

Another piece of technology that is being used to detect cancer is called PET scanning. This uses a special type of radioactive dye that helps to highlight areas of the body where there may be cancerous cells. This can be very helpful in detecting cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.

Particle size analyzers 

This amazing technology is helping to revolutionize the way that drugs are developed. In the past, it was very difficult to measure the size of particles in a sample. This made it hard to develop new drugs, as there was no way to know if they would be effective. However, with particle size analyzers from companies such as Malvern Panalytical, scientists can now quickly and accurately measure the size of particles. This is helping to speed up the drug development process and bring new and better drugs to market.

3D printing 

3D printing is another amazing technology that is starting to make a difference in the world of healthcare. With 3D printing, doctors can create custom-made implants and prosthetics for patients. This means that patients can get the perfect fit for their needs. It also reduces the time that it takes to create these devices, which can be a major benefit for patients who need them urgently.

Alzheimer’s Detection Technology

There is also some promising new technology for the detection of Alzheimer’s disease. One of the most promising methods is called amyloid imaging. This uses special dyes to highlight areas of the brain that may be affected by Alzheimer’s. This can help doctors to diagnose the disease much earlier than with traditional methods.

Another promising piece of technology for Alzheimer’s detection is called tau imaging. This uses special dyes to highlight areas of the brain that are affected by tau, a protein that is associated with Alzheimer’s. This can also help to diagnose the disease much earlier than before.

These are just a few examples of the amazing technologies that are making a difference in healthcare. With each new breakthrough, the world is getting closer to a world where all diseases can be detected and treated effectively. Remember to stay up to date on all of the latest breakthroughs so that you can take advantage of them.