A study found that iron accumulations and brain neuronal damage are linked to adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
It was published in the journal Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, examined the extent of iron accumulation and nerve cell damage in adults with ADHD.
While ADHD is commonly diagnosed in childhood, it can persist or be newly identified in adulthood. Adult ADHD symptoms often include difficulty focusing, problems with organizational skills, anxiety, forgetfulness, and mood swings.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), while the exact causes of ADHD remain unclear, genetics play a significant role. Other potential factors include exposure to toxins during pregnancy, alcohol consumption, smoking, and traumatic brain injuries.
Recent studies have shown that individuals with ADHD display both microscopic and macroscopic brain structure differences compared to those without the disorder.
The research team compared 32 adults clinically diagnosed with ADHD to a control group of 29 individuals to identify structural brain differences.
The study focused on iron deposition in the central nervous system. While iron is crucial for brain function, excessive accumulation can damage nerve and immune cells in the brain.
Previous research has linked excessive brain iron accumulation to cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
To measure iron deposition, researchers utilized quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM), a technique that identifies magnetic regions in the brain to evaluate iron accumulation in specific areas.
The team also assessed neurofilament light chain plasma levels (NfL) to gauge nerve cell health, as higher NfL levels indicate more significant nerve fiber damage.
Results revealed that ADHD participants exhibited higher iron accumulation in the precentral cortex compared to the control group. This region is essential for nerve cell communication and the maintenance of cognitive function. Additionally, ADHD participants displayed elevated plasma iron and NfL levels, indicating nerve damage that could potentially lead to neurodegeneration.
Based on these findings, researchers concluded that adult ADHD is associated with increased brain iron accumulation and neuronal damage.
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