Goodman Warns ADHD in Adults 65+ Is Misread as Dementia at June 2026 Webinar
Updated
Updated · ADDitude magazine · Jun 16
Goodman Warns ADHD in Adults 65+ Is Misread as Dementia at June 2026 Webinar
1 articles · Updated · ADDitude magazine · Jun 16
Summary
Adults 65 and older can have ADHD alongside mild cognitive impairment, dementia, perimenopause or other conditions, David W. Goodman said in a June 2026 ADDitude webinar, arguing cognitive complaints should not be dismissed as normal aging.
Goodman said diagnosis is difficult because overlapping symptoms, clinician inexperience and scant guidance blur the picture; he cautioned that neuropsychological tests show deficits but do not establish the underlying diagnosis.
Progressive worsening, word-finding trouble and difficulty following conversations may point away from ADHD and toward dementia, while ADHD itself is a stable condition whose impact can feel worse as life demands outstrip coping strategies.
Childhood history and environmental response — such as teachers making accommodations — can help confirm ADHD, he said, and treatment can still benefit patients in their 60s, 70s and early 80s once other psychiatric conditions are stabilized.
The issue is likely to grow as Americans 65 and older are projected to outnumber children within the next decade, increasing pressure on clinicians to distinguish ADHD from age-related cognitive decline.
Is a hidden ADHD epidemic in America's seniors being dangerously misdiagnosed as dementia?
Are hormonal changes in aging women unmasking a 'lost generation' with untreated ADHD?
Misdiagnosed Minds: The Critical Need to Distinguish ADHD from Dementia in Older Adults
Overview
As the global population ages, more seniors are experiencing cognitive complaints, making accurate diagnosis increasingly important. Recent attention highlights that healthcare professionals may misdiagnose ADHD as dementia in older adults, since ADHD symptoms—often overlooked earlier in life—can closely mimic those of cognitive decline. Insights from ADDitude Magazine and experts emphasize the urgent need for awareness, as misdiagnosis can lead to ineffective treatments and missed opportunities for proper care. Recognizing the overlap in symptoms and understanding the lifelong nature of ADHD are crucial steps to ensure seniors receive the right diagnosis and support.