2023 Alzheimer's Association Research Grant (AARG)
AD Risk in Adults With/Without ADHD histories: A study of early biomarkers
How does ADHD in childhood influence an individual's risk of developing Alzheimer’s?
Brooke S.G. Molina, Ph.D.
University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, PA - United States
Background
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a highly heritable disorder that causes a wide range of cognitive symptoms that can impact an individual's quality of life. ADHD affects people of all ages. Awareness of ADHD is increasing, particularly among affected adults. The number of older adults in the U.S. is also increasing, including the number of older adults living with ADHD. Older adults are also at increased risk for age-related diseases. It’s a pressing concern to understand how ADHD might relate to other age-related diseases, particularly those that affect the brain and might lead to further cognitive changes, such as Alzheimer’s.
Research Plan
Dr. Brooke Molina and colleagues will study whether individuals with ADHD are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Dr. Molina will use an existing study of adults living with ADHD, known as the Pittsburgh ADHD Longitudinal Study (PALS). The PALS dataset includes clinical visit data and blood samples collected from study participants over the course of their lives. Dr. Molina’s team will analyze the samples for biological markers (biomarkers) associated with Alzheimer’s. The researchers will determine whether ADHD in childhood might increase an individual's risk of developing Alzheimer’s. They will also look for other social and clinical risk factors in the study that might be associated with Alzheimer’s.
Impact
This study provides an important first step toward understanding how ADHD might contribute to an individual’s risk of developing Alzheimer’s later in life. Results from this study could uncover risk factors that might support an earlier diagnosis of Alzheimer’s in people with ADHD.