ADHD Linked to More Than Fourfold Higher Hazard of Cognitive Impairment
A new JAMA Psychiatry study of over 187,000 adults found an ADHD diagnosis was associated with a 4.6-fold higher hazard of cognitive impairment in older adults.
Newport Beach, Calif. – October 14, 2026 – A recent study published in JAMA Psychiatry, involving 187,341 adults aged 50 and older, has revealed a significant association between Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and cognitive impairment.
The research indicated that 6.7% of participants diagnosed with ADHD developed mild cognitive impairment or dementia, compared to 3.4% of those without ADHD. After statistical adjustments, an ADHD diagnosis was linked to a 4.6-fold increased hazard of cognitive impairment.
Psychiatrist and brain imaging expert Daniel G. Amen, MD, founder of Amen Clinics, stated that the findings reinforce his long-held view that mental health is brain health. He advocates for viewing ADHD as a brain-based condition that can influence long-term brain health risks, beyond just attention or behavioral issues.
The observational study does not establish a causal link between ADHD and dementia, nor does it assess the effects of ADHD treatment. Dr. Amen encourages adults experiencing memory symptoms to consult a healthcare professional and address manageable health risks. He emphasizes that while ADHD does not guarantee dementia, it underscores the importance of proactive brain health protection.