Older Adults Can Get ADHD, Too

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder has become so commonly known, it’s often now just called ADD or ADHD. You may know a kid or has it, or you may even have a kid who has been diagnosed with ADD/ADHD. However, did you know that ADHD can also occur in older adults?

Just like having ADHD can make life challenging for children, it also can cause challenges for seniors, especially if they are unaware that they have this condition.

Here are some of the symptoms of ADHD in older adults:

  • Finding it hard to stay with one job.
  • Having relationship problems.
  • Acting impulsively.
  • Having trouble focusing or hyper-focusing on one specific task.
  • Often feeling restless or anxious.
  • Being forgetful.
  • Struggling with substance abuse.

Although any adult could have the symptoms above at some point, the connection to ADHD/ADD is higher if the symptoms have occurred more frequently throughout life. Sometimes, a parent or grandparent may realize he or she has lived with these symptoms once a younger family is diagnosed with ADHD.

There aren’t many studies related to ADHD in older adults, and it is not screened for as often as other mental conditions, such as anxiety or depression. However, ADHD can be confused with other health issues. For example, a health provider may suspect early Alzheimer’s in someone who has the forgetfulness associated with ADHD. 

If you have a loved one who you suspect has ADHD and is struggling, it can be helpful to obtain a formal diagnosis. A neurologist, therapist, or coach can work with an older adult to try various treatments and ways to cope with adult ADHD, according to WebMD. These include:

  • Using certain types of medications. It may take a few different attempts to get the dosage right.
  • Working with a therapist to analyze life challenges and learn to manage them better.
  • Learning about ways to get better organized.

Call Secure Aging to Find Out How We Can Help Seniors With Care Management

At Secure Aging in Bradenton, we transform the weight of the world into a sigh of relief for our senior clients and their concerned family members. The mission of Secure Aging is to protect and preserve our client’s independence and dignity through careful and thoughtful financial and care management. As our clients’ age, it is their desire to remain independent and age with dignity. Our services protect our clients from talented con artists looking to exploit and deplete the financial resources of our vulnerable seniors. Secure Aging helps families in Manatee County and Sarasota County and in and around the communities of Anna Maria, Bradenton, Bradenton Beach, Ellenton, Holmes Beach, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat Key, Myakka City, Palmetto, Parrish, and Sarasota. Call us at 941-761-9338, or visit us online at www.secureaging.com.

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