Older adults with ADHD are not getting proper diagnosis and care, experts warn.

Getting an ADHD diagnosis can be difficult in the over-50s, and many doctors are unaware of the disorder and its similarities to other age-related mild cognitive impairments, such as menopause-related memory decline. This can lead to the age group being overlooked for diagnosis and treatment, according to experts.

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects around 2.5% of adults. Individuals with ADHD display impulsivity, hyperactivity, and difficulty with focus, attention, and organization. To gain a clearer understanding of ADHD in older people, a team of experts reviewed more than 100 studies about the disorder.

The results of the analysis highlighted a ‘striking’ gap in knowledge about ADHD in older adults, due to existing guidelines primarily focusing on children and young adults. Dr Maja Dobrosavljevic, from the University of Orebro in Sweden, stated that a better approach is needed to diagnose people aged 50-55. She added that a comprehensive and tailored approach is essential for the well-being of people living with ADHD.

The team's review of the 100 papers revealed that 44 focused on ADHD in adults. The analysis also emphasized that ADHD can have a negative impact on education, job prospects, and social interaction if not adequately supported. In addition, the team concluded that ADHD is linked to mental health issues, increased death rates, and illnesses such as cardiovascular disease and dementia.

Unfortunately, the research has only looked at people retrospectively, which can be unreliable due to age-related memory issues. This means that more studies need to be done to explore the safety and efficacy of current ADHD medication used to treat this age group, who are at an increased risk of other health conditions.

The researchers suggest that doctors take into account distinctive clues to distinguish ADHD from age-related mild cognitive impairment. For instance, those with ADHD will typically report childhood symptoms, whereas MCI has a more abrupt onset. Therefore, the authors suggest that the classification for older adults should include diagnoses that differentiate between ADHD and conditions with similar symptoms.

This study, published in the journal Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics, emphasizes the need for collaboration between the medical community, researchers, and policymakers in refining diagnostic criteria, treatment guidelines, and research initiatives that can benefit all age groups affected by the disorder.

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