If you have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), you may have been used to forgetting things since you were a child. But maybe you feel like this forgetfulness is a little different now. You may be forgetting things more than before, suddenly forgetting what you were going to say while talking, or having trouble finding words. There are actually many reasons for memory loss. Some are serious, and some are easily treatable. Let's see if you have ADHD-related forgetfulness or something else.
The relationship between ADHD and memory
If you have ADHD, memory problems usually arise from things like forgetting appointments, forgetting where you put things like your phone or keys. ADHD mainly affects two types of our memory.
1. Working Memory: Simply put, this is like a little notepad in our brain. After we learn something, we use this working memory to temporarily remember the information we need to put it into practice. Think about it, when someone gives you some instructions, you have to remember those instructions until you finish the task. This memory helps with that. Studies have shown that the working memory of children and adults with ADHD works less efficiently than those without it.
2. Long-term Memory : People with ADHD tend to score poorly on tests that measure long-term memory. But scientists believe that the reason for this is not memory loss, but rather a difference in the way that information is stored in the brain. When you have ADHD, information doesn't enter your brain properly because of distractions from things around you. Or, the information is stored in your brain in a messy way. This means that rather than memories being lost, they are not being formed properly in the first place.
What are other causes of memory loss?
When you realize you're having memory problems, you may be worried about a more serious condition like dementia. But don't worry, many other things can cause memory loss, including normal aging. If the underlying cause is identified and treated, your memory may return to normal.
| Reason type | Description and examples |
|---|---|
| Common causes that can be treated |
|
| More serious reasons |
|
If you have an underlying medical condition like this, be sure to talk to your doctor about your memory problems.
How do you differentiate between ADHD and something else?
Whether memory loss is a symptom of ADHD or something else, the symptoms and signs can be similar. But there are some clues that can help you and your doctor figure out what's causing it.
When did this problem start?
ADHD symptoms start in childhood . If your memory problems are new, there may be another cause. Our brains start to lose some of their ability to function as part of the normal aging process in our 30s and 40s. This becomes more pronounced after age 60. This can make it harder to learn new information and make it harder to multitask. Dementia usually starts after age 65. Its symptoms start gradually and gradually worsen to the point where you can no longer do everyday tasks.
Has anything changed in your life recently?
ADHD symptoms don't get worse over time, but they can sometimes become more noticeable. For example, if you've recently retired and lost the regular routine of your job, you may have old problems with time management and staying focused. Also, hormonal changes during menopause can make ADHD symptoms more noticeable. Have you been stressed recently? Have you fallen and hit your head? Have you started taking a new medication? Thinking about these life changes can help you identify the cause of your memory loss.
Do you have any other symptoms?
If the cause of your memory loss is physical, you may also have other symptoms. Do you have headaches , blurred vision , or muscle weakness ? These could be signs of a problem in the brain. For example, a brain injury, a blood clot, or a stroke. If you have these symptoms, especially if they come on suddenly, see a doctor or go to the emergency room (ETU) immediately.
What kind of things do you forget?
With ADHD, you might forget where you put your car keys because you weren't paying attention when you had them. But with dementia, you might suddenly get lost while driving down a familiar road you've driven a hundred times.
ADHD and Dementia
Nowadays, there are increasing numbers of older people going to see doctors thinking they have dementia, only to find out they actually have ADHD. It is believed that ADHD is under-diagnosed among adults.
The earliest stage of dementia is called Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) . Although it and ADHD share many common symptoms, there are also some important differences.
| Characteristic | In ADHD | In MCI (early stage of dementia) |
|---|---|---|
| Starting age | Symptoms begin in childhood. | Symptoms begin with age. |
| Nature of symptoms | Symptoms usually remain at the same level or become less noticeable in adulthood. | Symptoms gradually worsen over time. |
| Situational awareness | The patient is very aware of his memory problems and can describe them. | Often, family members or caregivers are the first to notice the problem. |
| Response to medication | Symptoms are controlled with stimulant medications for ADHD. | Medications for ADHD have no effect. |
There is some evidence that people with ADHD may be at higher risk of developing dementia, particularly a type called Lewy body dementia, as they age. However, it is not yet clear whether people with ADHD are more likely to develop dementia than those without.
When should you see a doctor?
If you are concerned about your memory loss, especially if it has been going on for a while or is affecting your daily life , don't delay seeing a doctor.
He or she may perform several tests to find the cause. For example:
- Mental status tests: repeating a list of words, naming objects, following multiple-step instructions, etc.
- Neurological tests
- Imaging tests such as MRI
- Blood or urine tests
Remember, most causes of memory loss are temporary and treatable. If your memory problems are ultimately diagnosed as a symptom of ADHD, there are things you can do about that too. Your doctor may be able to change your medication or refer you to other treatments, such as behavioral therapy or counseling.
Take-Home Message
- Memory problems caused by ADHD usually begin in childhood. If you start experiencing new memory loss in adulthood, be concerned.
- Many things can cause memory loss, including stress, lack of sleep, vitamin deficiencies, and some medications.
- If memory loss is accompanied by other symptoms such as headache, blurred vision, or body weakness, seek medical advice immediately.
- Don't try to decide for yourself whether you have ADHD, the beginnings of dementia, or something else.
- If you have any concerns about your memory, the best thing to do is to talk openly about it with your doctor.
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