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Faculty of Graduate Studies

Tara R. Cooper

Notice of the Final Oral Examination for the Degree of Master of Science

Topic

The Risk for Dementia in Older Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Does Cognitive Reserve Affect Time to Dement in Adults with ADHD Symptoms?

Department of Psychology

Date & location

  • Wednesday, October 2, 2024

  • 11:00 A.M.

  • Clearihue Building, Room D130

Reviewers

Supervisory Committee

  • Dr. Andrea Piccini, Department of Psychology, University of Victoria (Supervisor)

  • Dr. Sarah Macoun, Department of Psychology, UVic (Member) 

External Examiner

  • Dr. Sam Liu, School of Exercise Science, Physical and Health Education, University of Victoria 

Chair of Oral Examination

  • Dr. Lynneth Stuart-Hill, School of Exercise Science, Physical and Health Education, UVic

     

Abstract

As the population over 65 continues to grow, the number of older adults with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is also likely to increase. While dementia risk increases after age 65, previous research suggests that adults with ADHD have a higher risk for dementia than their neurotypical peers. The purpose of this research was to investigate how the Cognitive Reserve (CR) theory of ageing relates to the risk for dementia associated with ADHD symptoms (ADHD-sx). Given that impairments in the domains typically used as proxies of the CR (i.e., education, occupation and social participation) persist across the lifespan for individuals with ADHD, it was first predicted that individuals with ADHD-sx would have lower CR than individuals without ADHD-sx. Secondly, to extend previous research, it was predicted that individuals with ADHD-sx would have a higher risk for dementia than individuals without ADHD-sx. Finally, given the variability in outcomes associated with ADHD, it was predicted that the risk for dementia associated with ADHD-sx would depend on CR. In 2008/2009, 986 participants from the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam were followed until either a diagnosis of dementia was observed or the last assessment point, 8 years (two assessments) later. Based on currently reported ADHD-sx and childhood onset of attention problems, participants were assigned to either an ADHD-sx group (n= 147) or a non-ADHD group (n= 839). The results revealed no significant differences between groups on CR (c2(1) = .14, p = .71). A Cox proportional hazard analysis reported no significant risk for dementia associated with ADHD-sx (HR: 1.29, 95% CI [.43, 3.88], p = .65). Finally, the moderating effect of CR could not be estimated due to insufficient data. These results reveal important considerations when studying older adults with neurodevelopmental disorders and provide future directions for research on the CR theory of ageing.

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