A Systematic Review and Comparison of Neurocognitive Features of Late-Life Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Dementia With Lewy Bodies

Objective: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adulthood and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) share many cognitive and noncognitive similarities. The overlapping features between both disorders complicate differential diagnosis. The aim of the current systematic review was to compare patterns of neuropsychological profiles in older adults with ADHD and DLB. Method: Of the 1989 ADHD-related articles and 1332 DLB-related articles screened, 3 ADHD and 25 DLB articles were retained for qualitative synthesis and review. Results: A synthesis of individual study findings revealed isolated working memory deficits for late-life ADHD, and performance deficits in areas of attention, memory, language, and visuoperceptual abilities for DLB. Results were limited by small samples and absence of data in some cognitive domains. Conclusion: These initial findings support potentially unique neurocognitive profiles for ADHD in later life and DLB that would enable practitioners to differentially diagnose and appropriately treat older adults presenting with these phenotypically similar disorders.