Distinct Cognitive and Neuroimaging Profiles in Later-Life Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Mild Cognitive Impairment

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brandy L. Callahan ◽  
Nayani Ramakrishnan ◽  
Prathiba Shammi ◽  
Daniel Bierstone ◽  
Rebecca Taylor ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Mild Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Attention Deficit ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Imaging Features ◽  
Semantic Retrieval ◽  
Structural Neuroimaging ◽  
Diagnostic Uncertainty ◽  
Hyperactivity Disorder

Abstract Background: Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is increasingly being recognized in adults and older adults. Some of its behavioral features (e.g., distractibility, forgetfulness, impulsivity) may resemble those of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), which contributes to diagnostic uncertainty in later life. The present study aimed to systematically compare ADHD and MCI on measures of cognition and structural neuroimaging to clarify the extent of their overlap (i.e., cognitive features of ADHD that are most likely to be taken for signs of MCI) and identify potential features unique to each disorder (i.e., that may be used to guide diagnostic impressions). Methods: One hundred and six adults aged 50 years or above were recruited from a Cognitive Neurology clinic (40 ADHD, 29 MCI and 37 controls) completed a comprehensive neuropsychological battery. A subsample (n=80) underwent structural neuroimaging.Results: Memory was impaired in both patient groups, but reflected a storage deficit in MCI (supported by imaging findings of reduced hippocampal volumes) and an encoding deficit in ADHD (supported by frontal-lobe cortical thinning). Both groups performed normally on executive measures. Semantic retrieval was uniquely impaired in MCI.Conclusions: Behavioral and structural imaging features strongly suggest that ADHD and MCI are similar manifestations of separate pathophysiological processes. Although ADHD has been proposed as a risk factor or prodromal stage of neurodegeneration, we propose it is rather acting as a phenotypic mimic of MCI via overlap in memory and executive performance.

scholarly journals Mild Cognitive Impairment or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Older Adults? A Cross Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Felippe Mendonca ◽  
Felipe Kenji Sudo ◽  
Gustavo Santiago-Bravo ◽  
Natalia Oliveira ◽  
Naima Assuncao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Mild Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Attention Deficit ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Older Individuals ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Age Related

Background: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a highly prevalent neurodevelopmental condition, which may be associated with life-enduring cognitive dysfunction. It has been hypothesized that age-related cognitive decline may overlap with preexisting deficits in older ADHD patients, leading to increased problems to manage everyday-life activities. This phenomenon may mimic neurodegenerative disorders, in particular Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). This cross-sectional study aims to assess cognitive and behavioral differences between older subjects with ADHD and MCI.Methods: A total of 107 older participants (41 controls; 40 MCI and 26 ADHD; mean age = 67.60 ± 7.50 years; mean schooling = 15.14 ± 2.77 years; 65.4% females) underwent clinical, cognitive, and behavioral assessments by a multidisciplinary team at the Memory Clinic, D'Or Institute for Research and Education, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Mean scores in neuropsychological tasks and behavioral scales were compared across groups.Results: Participants with ADHD showed poorer performances than controls in episodic memory and executive function with large effect-sizes. Performances were comparable between MCI and ADHD for all domains.Discussion: MCI and ADHD in older individuals are dissociated clinical entities with overlapping cognitive profiles. Clinicians ought to be aware of these converging phenotypes to avoid misdiagnosis.

scholarly journals LEAP Motion Technology and Psychology: A Mini-Review on Hand Movements Sensing for Neurodevelopmental and Neurocognitive Disorders

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (8) ◽  
pp. 4006
Author(s):  
Giulia Colombini ◽  
Mirko Duradoni ◽  
Federico Carpi ◽  
Laura Vagnoli ◽  
Andrea Guazzini
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Mild Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Attention Deficit ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Leap Motion ◽  
Hyperactivity Disorder

Technological advancement is constantly evolving, and it is also developing in the mental health field. Various applications, often based on virtual reality, have been implemented to carry out psychological assessments and interventions, using innovative human–machine interaction systems. In this context, the LEAP Motion sensing technology has raised interest, since it allows for more natural interactions with digital contents, via an optical tracking of hand and finger movements. Recent research has considered LEAP Motion features in virtual-reality-based systems, to meet specific needs of different clinical populations, varying in age and type of disorder. The present paper carried out a systematic mini-review of the available literature using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. The inclusion criteria were (i) publication date between 2013 and 2020, (ii) being an empirical study or project report, (iii) written in English or Italian languages, (iv) published in a scholarly peer-reviewed journal and/or conference proceedings, and (v) assessing LEAP Motion intervention for four specific psychological domains (i.e., autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, dementia, and mild cognitive impairment), objectively. Nineteen eligible empirical studies were included. Overall, results show that protocols for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorder can promote psychomotor and psychosocial rehabilitation in contexts that stimulate learning. Moreover, virtual reality and LEAP Motion seem promising for the assessment and screening of functional abilities in dementia and mild cognitive impairment. As evidence is, however, still limited, deeper investigations are needed to assess the full potential of the LEAP Motion technology, possibly extending its applications. This is relevant, considering the role that virtual reality could have in overcoming barriers to access assessment, therapies, and smart monitoring.

scholarly journals Cognitive and Neuroimaging Profiles of Older Adults With Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Presenting to a Memory Clinic

2021 ◽  
pp. 108705472110605
Author(s):  
Brandy L. Callahan ◽  
Nayani Ramakrishnan ◽  
Prathiba Shammi ◽  
Daniel Bierstone ◽  
Rebecca Taylor ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Attention Deficit ◽  
Semantic Retrieval ◽  
Diagnostic Uncertainty ◽  
Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Dementia Risk ◽  
Neurology Clinic ◽  
Memory Clinics ◽  
Patient Groups

Objective: Some features of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may resemble those of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in older adults, contributing to diagnostic uncertainty in individuals seeking assessment in memory clinics. We systematically compared cognition and brain structure in ADHD and MCI to clarify the extent of overlap and identify potential features unique to each. Method: Older adults from a Cognitive Neurology clinic (40 ADHD, 29 MCI, 37 controls) underwent neuropsychological assessment. A subsample ( n = 80) underwent structural neuroimaging. Results: Memory was impaired in both patient groups, but reflected a storage deficit in MCI (supported by relatively smaller hippocampi) and an encoding deficit in ADHD (supported by frontal lobe thinning). Both groups displayed normal executive functioning. Semantic retrieval was uniquely impaired in MCI. Conclusion: Although ADHD has been proposed as a dementia risk factor or prodrome, we propose it is rather a pathophysiologically-unique phenotypic mimic acting via overlap in memory and executive performance.

The Social Competence of Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Review of the Literature

2001 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 172-180 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Nixon
Keyword(s):  
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Social Competence ◽  
Social Functioning ◽  
Attention Deficit ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Life Outcomes ◽  
Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
The Social ◽  
Interpersonal Difficulties ◽  
Adhd Children

This article reviews research conducted over the past 20 years on the social competence of children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). A substantial body of research suggests that children with ADHD experience significant interpersonal difficulties. The social competence of ADHD children is considered using three indices: typical social behaviours or social functioning, internal cognitive structures relating to the behaviours, and the products or outcomes of their social functioning. Possible mechanisms underlying their interpersonal difficulties are discussed. The article concludes by outlining the significance of these difficulties for later life outcomes, and emphasising the importance of uncovering the mechanisms by which these difficulties arise.

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