Higher Dementia risk Linked to Autism: A Major New Study
A meaningful new study from Drexel University in Philadelphia has revealed a substantially increased risk of dementia among individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The research indicates that those with autism face a four to eight times higher likelihood of developing dementia compared to the general population.
The study, published in 2025, analyzed data from two previous research projects: a 2019 study on ASD and dementia among Medicare beneficiaries and a 2021 study focusing on early-onset dementia in Medicaid recipients with ASD.Researchers examined data from 114,600 individuals aged 30 and older between 2008 and 2017, encompassing those diagnosed with ASD alone and those with ASD and an additional intellectual disability (ID).
the findings are especially concerning given the rising prevalence of autism. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately one in 36 U.S. children and one in 45 U.S. adults are diagnosed with autism, a number that continues to climb. “Previous research has revealed a known association between intellectual disabilities (IDs) and dementia,” highlighting the complexity of this issue.
The Drexel University review found that eight percent of individuals with ASD and nearly nine percent of those with both ASD and an ID received a dementia diagnosis. This contrasts sharply with the 2022 statistic that only four percent of adults aged 65 and older had ever received a dementia diagnosis. Alzheimer’s disease, the most prevalent form of dementia, affects nearly 7 million Americans.
The study also revealed a correlation between age and dementia risk. Among participants aged 65 and older, a striking 35 percent of those with ASD alone and 31 percent of those with ASD and an ID had received a dementia diagnosis.”The odds of a dementia diagnosis increased with age,” the researchers noted.
While the researchers acknowledged limitations in their study, the findings underscore the urgent need for further investigation into the link between autism and dementia. Understanding this connection is crucial for developing effective preventative strategies and improving the lives of individuals with ASD.
This research emphasizes the importance of ongoing monitoring and support for individuals with autism, particularly as they age. Further research is needed to determine the underlying mechanisms driving this increased risk and to explore potential interventions.
Rising Autism diagnoses and the Link to Dementia: A Growing Concern
A significant increase in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnoses across the United States is raising concerns, particularly when considered alongside the projected surge in dementia cases. Recent studies have uncovered a potential link between these two conditions, prompting further investigation into their shared risk factors and underlying mechanisms.
Data reveals a dramatic 175 percent rise in autism diagnoses between 2011 and 2022, jumping from 2.3 to 6.3 per 1,000 individuals across all age groups. The most striking increase was observed among young adults aged 26 to 34, with a staggering 450 percent jump. While children aged five to eight remain the most frequently diagnosed group (30 per 1,000), the expanding prevalence across all age ranges is noteworthy.
This surge in autism diagnoses comes at a time when dementia cases are also expected to skyrocket. Currently, 7 million Americans live with Alzheimer’s disease, a number projected to double by 2030. This alarming projection underscores the urgent need to understand the potential connection between these two conditions.
Research indicates a concerning correlation. One study found women with autism were 8.5 times more likely to develop a cognitive condition, including dementia, compared to women without ASD. Similarly, men with autism were 8.2 percent more likely to experience a cognitive disorder, encompassing conditions such as delirium and amnesia. Another study revealed a four to five percent prevalence of dementia among adults with ASD, significantly higher than the one percent observed in individuals without ASD.
While the exact nature of the link remains unclear, researchers suggest several possibilities. “our data highlight the importance of health policy efforts for the growing ASD population at risk for or affected by dementia,” states a recent research paper. “Future research should address factors that might contribute to the cooccurrence of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative conditions, including barriers to accessing educational and social opportunities, as well as biological mechanisms of shared pathophysiology.”
Further studies point to potential shared genetic mutations and overlapping symptoms, such as insomnia and neuromuscular weakness, as possible explanations for the observed correlation. The impact of dementia medications on cognitive and communicative functions in adults with ASD also warrants further investigation.
Although neither condition currently has a cure, various medications, therapies, and procedures are available to manage symptoms and improve quality of life for those affected. The rising prevalence of both autism and dementia underscores the critical need for continued research, improved diagnostic tools, and enhanced support systems for individuals and families facing these challenges.
