The Identification and Assessment of Late-Life ADHD in Memory Clinics

Abstract

Objective: Little data exist about ADHD in late life. While evaluating patients’ memory problems, the memory clinic staff has periodically identified ADHD in previously undiagnosed older adults. The authors conducted a survey to assess the extent to which other memory clinics view ADHD as a relevant clinical issue. Method: The authors developed and sent a questionnaire to memory clinics in the United States to determine the extent to which they identified patients with ADHD and the extent to which they took it into consideration. Results: Approximately one half of the memory clinics that responded reported seeing ADHD patients, either identifying previously diagnosed cases and/or newly diagnosing ADHD themselves. One fifth of clinics reported screening regularly for ADHD, and few clinics described accessing collateral informants to establish the diagnosis. Conclusion: This article suggests that U.S. memory clinics may not adequately identify and address ADHD in the context of late-life cognitive disorders.