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  Who Says You Can't Teach Our Brain New Tricks? - Introduction to the Monthly Brain Blog Series

  This blog is being written and monitored by Dr. Sharon Kochlany (one of the LCWA board members) who is an expert in cognitive training and executive function. She is an executive function coach and a Play Attention Certified Provider. Each week, she will share another tip to improve your cognitive skills. The brain at any age can improve. Research is now showing that many adults have ADHD. These adults went throughout school without ever being diagnosed. Many of these blogs will revolve around Adult and child ADHD as many of us have grandchildren or children with ADHD as well. Those who have ADHD have weaknesses in executive function and therefore this will be another area of brain processing that will be covered. Come back each month to become more aware of what you can do so that you can ward off mental decline. I am going to separate these discussions each month as they are getting a little tedious to read in one blog discussion. Feel free to contribute to the blog as well. Writing can help executive function. Post your questions as well. Picture is copied from the Westford Senior Helpers website at: https://www.seniorhelpers.com/ma/westford/resources/blogs/6-ways-seniors-can-keep-their-brains-healthy Index of Blogs in the Series: January 2023: Blog #1 - Cognitive Skills & Executive Function February 2023: Blog #2 - Brain Fog March 2023: Blog #3 - To Every Brain There Is a Season: How the Seasons Affect Our Brains April 2023: Blog #4 - What is ADHD? May 2023: Blog #5 - Do You Have ADHD?

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  #5 May 2023: Who Says You Can't Teach Our Brain New Tricks? - "Do you have ADHD?"

  This blog is being written and monitored by Dr. Sharon Kochlany (one of the LCWA board members) who is an expert in cognitive training and executive function. She is an executive function coach and a Play Attention Certified Provider. Each week, she will share another tip to improve your cognitive skills. The brain at any age can improve. Research is now showing that many adults have ADHD. These adults went throughout school without ever being diagnosed. Many of these blogs will revolve around Adult and child ADHD as many of us have grandchildren or children with ADHD as well. Those who have ADHD have weaknesses in executive function and therefore this will be another area of brain processing that will be covered. Come back each month to become more aware of what you can do so that you can ward off mental decline. I am going to separate these discussions each month as they are getting a little tedious to read in one blog discussion. Feel free to contribute to the blog as well. Writing can help executive function. Post your questions as well. Picture is copied https://www.google.com/search?sxsrf=APwXEddCV-DvMrvCNxQCyHyuyI3tO76Fsg:1683682172162&q=free+downloads+of+adults+with+adhd&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjH6qTuzOn-AhXemmoFHbf9AcQQ0pQJegQIDRAB&biw=1407&bih=707&dpr=2#imgrc=Nn-rkwB9Rb_ZLM Month of May, 2023 Do you have ADHD? Studies show that if your child or grandchildren have ADHD, there's a 50% likelihood that one of his or her parents or grandparents does as well. The term ADHD and its treatments were not very well known when seniors were growing up. There are many seniors who are ADHD, but were never diagnosed, and are now struggling with executive function weaknesses. Many seniors assume that their failing memory, disorganization, and lack of focus are due to aging and possible Alzheimer's Disease never thinking that they might have ADHD. Declining brain function and ADHD symptoms are often synonymous. Having ADHD is not a terminal disease. Executive function weaknesses associated with aging and/or ADHD can be addressed and cognitive skills can be strengthened. The blogs for the next few months will feature articles on adult ADHD and/or the aging brain. There are so many of us seniors suffering with it unknowingly. It is important to understand it so that an action plan can be developed and everyday living can improve. You may exhibit some of the symptoms of ADHD due to the natural aging process without actually having ADHD. These blogs and articles will be of great benefit to you as well. The following article will help you to understand ADHD and it will provide some answers to questions you might have about your own brain. Adult ADHD symptoms include difficulty with time management, memory, organization, emotional regulation, and more. Do any of these symptoms strike a cord? Then be sure to read this article and future blog postings. Adult ADHD: A Guide to Symptoms, Signs,and Treatments By ADDitude Editors Medically reviewed by William Dodson, M.D., LF-APA Updated on January 20, 2023 Adult ADHD: Overview Adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD or ADD) is a neurological disorder that affects an estimated 4. percent of U.S. adults, and is more commonly diagnosed in men (5.4%) than in women (3.2%)1. ADHD in adults is characterized by a persistent pattern of inattention, hyperactivity, and/or impulsivity that interferes with and imp work, home life, and relationships – especially if left untreated. ADHD was historically considered a childhood condition, but it is now recognized as a lifelong condition that persis well into adulthood. Persistence rates, however, vary, ranging from 6%1 to 30%2 and perhaps even higher.3 Individuals with ADHD may receive a diagnosis in childhood or well into adulthood. Trends show a rise in rates of ADHD diagno among U.S. adults in the last decade.4 Still, many adults with ADHD never receive a diagnosis in their lifetimes. Scientists believe ADHD is significantly underdiagnosed in adults.5 What Does ADHD Look Like in Adults? ADHD or ADD symptoms in adults broadly resemble the common signs of childhood ADHD. However symptomintensity — especially hyperactivity — is known to decrease over time for many individuals.6 What are Common Adult ADHD Symptoms? Inattention Poor attention to detail Difficulty getting started and completing tasks Difficulty focusing and regulating attention Forgetfulness Poor time management, organizational skills Impulsivity Fidgeting Restlessness Interrupting frequently Talking excessively Emotional dysregulation Low frustration tolerance [ADHD Directory: Find an ADHD Specialist or Clinic Near You] Challenges Associated with Adult ADHD Adult ADHD impacts virtually every aspect of life, more so if the condition remains undiagnosed, untreated, or ineffectively treated – all of which can have detrimental effects on an individual’s psychological well-being and quality of life.6 Adult ADHD Impact on School and Work Performance Adult ADHD symptoms like poor time management and concentration, procrastination, and forgetfulness can and domake school and the workplace difficult to navigate. Many studies have linked ADHD to difficulties in school (including higher education) and in the workplace.7 Individuals with ADHD are more likely to face difficulty gaining and maintaining employment compared to neurotypical adults, especially if they did not receive treat ment in childhood.8 Adult ADHD Impact on Relationships ADHD symptoms in adults like poor listening skills, low frustration tolerance, inability to follow through with tasks,and impulsivity can lead to a number of difficulties with romantic relationships, friendships, familial relationships, and other social connections.5 Adult ADHD Impact on Criminality and Safety Research has linked ADHD in adults to criminality, rule-breaking, and other legal and safety issues – including greater risk of getting into car accidents compared to the general population.9 One study found that individuals who present ADHD symptoms in childhood are more likely to engage in criminal activities as young adults than are non-ADHD individuals.10 Another recent systematic review estimates that 26% of prison inmates have adult ADHD.11 Adult ADHD Impact on Substance Abuse ADHD and substance abuse are strongly connected. ADHD adults are twice as likely to be diagnosed with substance use disorder (SUD) compared to individuals without ADHD.12 Many adults with ADHD and SUD report using substances like alcohol and other drugs as a way to self-medicate and manage ADHD symptoms.13 Adul