Genetic Intersection Between ADHD and Alzheimer's Disease: Emerging Evidence

Strategic Insights -

A new report has shed light on the genetic underpinnings of two distinct neurological conditions: attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD). According to the research, emerging evidence suggests a potential intersection between the two conditions, with overlapping contributors such as synaptic plasticity, neuroinflammation, and oxidative stress. A systematic review of 1450 records identified two studies that investigated genetic predispositions linking ADHD and AD. The findings revealed a complex relationship between the two conditions, with one study suggesting that ADHD genetic liability may exacerbate AD pathology in Ab-positive individuals, while another study found no direct link between ADHD-PRS and dementia.

Key Takeaways:

  • ADHD affects approximately 5% of children and 3% of adults globally, while AD is the leading cause of dementia in older adults.
  • Emerging evidence suggests potential overlapping contributors to ADHD and AD, including pathways related to synaptic plasticity, neuroinflammation, and oxidative stress.
  • A systematic review of 1450 records identified two studies that investigated genetic predispositions linking ADHD and AD.
  • One study found an association between ADHD-PRS and progressive cognitive decline, increased tau pathology, and frontoparietal atrophy in Ab-positive individuals.
  • Another study found modest risk increases for cardiometabolic, autoimmune, and neurological conditions associated with ADHD-PRS, but no direct link between ADHD-PRS and dementia.
  • Longitudinal studies integrating genetics, biomarkers, and detailed lifestyle data are needed to clarify the relationship between ADHD and AD.

Statistics:

  • 5% of children worldwide are affected by ADHD.
  • 3% of adults worldwide are affected by ADHD.
  • 1450 records were screened in the systematic review.
  • 1092 records were screened after duplicates were removed.
  • 2 studies met the inclusion criteria.
  • 212 cognitively unimpaired older adults were analyzed in the first study.
  • 10,645 Swedish twins were assessed in the second study.
  • The findings revealed a modest risk increase for cardiometabolic, autoimmune, and neurological conditions associated with ADHD-PRS (16 somatic conditions).

Sources:

  • NewsRx: Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale Reports Findings in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders (Potential Genetic Intersections Between ADHD and Alzheimer's Disease: A Systematic Review). Mental Health Weekly Digest. November 3, 2025; p 119.
  • Elsevier: Potential Genetic Intersections Between ADHD and Alzheimer's Disease: A Systematic Review. NeuroSci, 2025;6(4):97. (www.elsevier.com; www.journals.elsevier.com/neuroscience/)