How does a 70-year-old manage ADHD forgetfulness?

Question

Hi doctor,

So my mother-in-law is 70, and she has been forgetting things for a while, but she was recently told she has ADHD, which honestly shocked all of us because we always just thought it was normal aging. The problem is she is forgetting to turn off the stove, missing her medications, and leaving the front door unlocked overnight twice last week. It is getting really scary for her to be alone.

How does a 70-year-old manage ADHD forgetfulness that affects daily safety at home? Are there medicines that are even safe at her age

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello

Welcome to icliniq.com

I have read your query and am sorry for such discomfort.

I am glad you asked for help. If I am honest with you, I do not see ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). Maybe she suffered from it, but at the age of 70, it is the least likely diagnosis. I understand the treating doctor may have covered all these areas thoroughly, but I would still like to reassess her.

I would rather have excluded dementia, mild cognitive impairments, vascular depression, or any organic changes. At this age, the most likely cause is Alzheimer's dementia that starts gradually.

She should undergo the following tests:

A complete assessment.
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging).
All basic lab investigations, including thyroid, vitamin B12, LFTs (liver function tests), RFTs (renal function tests).

Any comorbidities, meds, family history of psychiatric illness or dementia, or previous history of any psychiatric illness is crucial.

If you can share all her complete details, I may be of help to you.

As far as ADHD is concerned, stimulants are a little bit difficult to initiate in old age because of the risk of hypertension and cardiac concerns. I would rather focus on the behavioral management. Dividing tasks into chunks, keeping the environment familiar and quiet as much as possible. Ask her to set reminders on her phone or ask somebody to remind her.

If you could share all the details, I could provide a specific consultation.

Please try to follow up if you find this answer helpful.

And I hope you will feel better soon.

Thank you.