ADHD GENETIC BURDEN ASSOCIATES WITH COGNITIVE DECLINE AND ALZHEIMER DISEASE MARKERS IN OLDER ADULTS
2024

ADHD Genetic Burden and Cognitive Decline in Older Adults

Sample size: 15000 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Arpawong Thalida Em, Kim Jung Ki, Crimmins Eileen

Primary Institution: University of Southern California

Hypothesis

Is there an association between ADHD genetic liability and cognitive decline in older adults?

Conclusion

The study found that ADHD genetic risk is linked to faster cognitive decline in older adults, particularly among White individuals.

Supporting Evidence

  • The ADHD-PGS was associated with cognitive decline among both White and Black older adults.
  • Statistically significant associations with neurodegenerative markers were found only in White older adults.

Takeaway

People with a genetic risk for ADHD may have more trouble thinking as they get older, especially if they are White.

Methodology

The study used linear mixed-effects regression and linear regression to analyze data from a large population-based study.

Limitations

The associations were not tested in a large sample of Black older adults for neurodegenerative markers.

Participant Demographics

The study included 12,090 White and 3,100 Black adults aged 51 and over.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p< 2e-16 for cognitive decline in White adults; p=0.008 for cognitive decline in Black adults; p=0.045 for p-tau181 in White adults; p=0.039 for Abeta ratio in White adults.

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1093/geroni/igae098.0447

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