ADHD (attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder) is an intellectual condition that’s usually diagnosed in childhood. According to the American Psychiatric Association, 8.4 percent of children and 2.5 percent of adults suffer from ADHD.
The way people with ADHD process and experience information is different from the way people who are neurological. You may experience more forgetfulness and find it more difficult to perform tasks that require short-term memory if you suffer from the condition. ADHD can also affect the way your long-term memories function. Researchers are still trying to determine the exact impact ADHD has on children’s and adults’ memory. Discover the results of research so far.
What is the effect of ADHD on memory?
ADHD: adults and children can have trouble focusing. People with ADHD can appear inattentive and forget things more frequently. Inattentive ADHD is the term used to describe this type. They may also be more disruptive or interrupting. This is known as hyperactive-impulsive ADHD. ADHD most frequently manifests itself through a combination of hyperactive-impulsive/inattentive symptoms; this form is known as combined hyperactive-impulsive/inattentive type.
ADHD is not autism.
ADHD is different from autism (ASD). According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition), this is a different condition. Both conditions are possible, but they each have their own diagnostic criteria. Even among those with both or one of the conditions, associated behaviours can manifest differently.
Each type of ADHD is caused by a biological factor related to brain activity. If you have ADHD, the frontal lobe, which controls your attention, memory, and impulse control, appears to develop slower.
ADHD and working memory
Working memory is a small amount of data that you hold in your mind while you are working to complete a particular task. Imagine it as the part of your brain where you hold a number when you dial it. The working memory is a small amount of information that you can “copy” from one location and “paste” into another before forgetting what it was.
A 2020 study A trusted source found that ADHD affects working memory for the majority of children with it. A research review confirmed that the effects of ADHD continue into adulthood. Working memory is closely associated with intelligence and the ability to learn, so those with ADHD could be assessed unfairly in terms of their learning abilities. It is important to learn alternative strategies and coping skills that do not rely on the working memory.
ADHD can also affect the way children perceive time. Working memory is related to time perception. It may also help explain why some people with ADHD have difficulty getting places on time. A 2007 small study examined the perception of time in 40 children with ADHD compared to 40 children who did not have ADHD. Children with ADHD have a harder time recognising the difference between short, medium, and long periods of time.
ADHD and long-term memory
ADHD can cause memory loss and long-term forgetfulness. This is less well understood. A 2013 review of research examined medical literature that looked at adults with ADHD. The authors concluded that ADHD limits long-term memory more frequently. This research review suggested, however, that the learning disabilities that caused ADHD and not necessarily its impact on your brain are responsible for this memory loss.
The research review concluded that children with ADHD have difficulty developing long-term memories similar to those of their peers without ADHD. This can carry on into adulthood without any additional compensatory or coping mechanisms.
ADHD and memory loss
There is also some uncertainty about the relationship between ADHD and memory loss. According to a 2017 research review, According to Trusted Source, researchers aren’t sure if ADHD in adulthood increases your risk of developing Alzheimer and other cognitive disorders related to memory.
ADHD and dementia seem to have similar effects on the brain, which makes this a complex question. The 2017 Research Review Trusted Source discussed the overlap between ADHD symptoms and a type of dementia called mild cognitive impairment (MCI).
The line between ADHD symptoms and dementia in adulthood is often unclear due to the difficulty of determining the exact cause of MCI or ADHD symptoms such as forgetfulness that occurs more frequently or difficulty focusing over extended periods.
Tips for improving memory in ADHD
You can modify some ADHD-related behaviours by making lifestyle changes that will help you adjust better to your work and family life rhythms.
● Avoid certain foods in your diet. For example, FD&C red, sodium benzoate, and 40 (a food colour ingredient) have been linked with increased hyperactivity in children. This needs further research.
● Avoid allergy triggers, which can negatively affect your brain. Consider getting an allergic test if you suspect that exposure to allergens is making ADHD symptoms worse.
● Consider ADHD management tools. Use an app that keeps track of dates and times, a calendar, or even a charging station to store devices. They can help reduce the stress that you may feel when trying to remember all you need to do.
● Cut out caffeine. Replace caffeinated drinks with herbal teas that contain calming ingredients. You can start your mornings with chamomile and ginseng tea to feel refreshed and focused. According to some research, drinking tea may help improve your memory.
● Consider herbal supplements. These supplements can help reduce stress caused by ADHD behaviours.
These tips won’t replace a treatment plan that you create with your doctor or ADHD specialist. However, they may help you with memory or behaviour issues that interfere with daily activities.
What are the causes of ADHD memory problems?
The medication used to treat ADHD may also improve your working memory. These medications are designed to help you focus on daily tasks and feel less overwhelmed.
Medication
Stimulant medications are widely prescribed for ADHD. A 2012 small study A trusted source found that stimulant medications may strengthen your frontal cortex’s connectivity with other brain areas, assisting with working memory.
According to the same small study (Trusted Source), two drugs have been studied in relation to their effects on working memory.
The right to therapy
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can be used to treat ADHD. CBT is designed to help you change your thinking patterns in order to better manage your emotions and behaviour. CBT can improve your working memory and time perception, which may help you arrive on time at events.
CBT can also be used to help with planning, goal-setting, and executing tasks. All of these are related to working memory.
Takeaway
People with ADHD can sometimes have difficulty remembering certain things because they perceive and process information in a different way.
The memory loss symptom can improve if the person experiencing it is a young child, as the brain develops naturally. A successful treatment plan or management plan that is developed in conjunction with a medical expert can also modify or improve this symptom.
Credit: Chemical Guys Uk & No RX Pharma USA
