Cerebral small vessel disease and allostatic burden as mechanisms driving dementia risk in adults with ADHD

Summary

The purpose of this study is to learn about the brain health of people with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as they age. Some people with ADHD may be at a higher risk for age-related problems, such as cognitive impairment or dementia, but it is unclear why. In this study, we will explore how brain health and physical stress impact cognitive health in adults. We will use brain scans, blood draws and physical measurements to measure vascular brain health and stress. We will use tests of thinking skills as a measure of cognitive health.

Eligibility

Currently recruiting participants: Yes

Eligible ages: 40 to 90

Inclusion criteria:

To be eligible for this study, you must:
1. Be between age 40 and 90
2. Have a diagnosis of ADHD or strongly suspect you have ADHD
3. Have minimal or no metal in your body (for example, no pacemaker)
4. Not be pregnant
5. Be willing and able to complete cognitive testing, brain scan and blood draw, and to provide either (1) a small sample of hair, or (2) six saliva samples
6. Have an available study partner who has known you since age 30 at least, and can answer a 5-minute online survey about your ADHD symptoms
7. Be fluent in English
8. Have normal vision and hearing (or corrected-to-normal with glasses or hearing aids).

Participate

Fill out the following form if you want to participate in this research

Method of contact

Additional information

Contact information

Participants may email study coordinator Hayley Huston (hayley.huston@ucalgary.ca), should they be interested in participating in the study

Principal investigator:

Brandy Callahan

Clinical trial:

No

REB-ID:

REB23-0301