Does ADD get worse as you age? For the past few years, I've noticed that my memory and attention span have been decreasing. :( I try to do things to keep my brain functioning like: reading, puzzles, research on health problems.

Deb :confused:

Some things are worse maybe, but overall I think my abilty to cope has been improving. I"m not one to pound away on the things that I"m weak in like memory though. I'd rather work on my strengths.
Just a thought.
Cheers! Ian.

Mine seems to be worse -- I read somewhere that sometimes the coping adaptations ADHD folk use often take a hit as they age (IE: memory). Hormonal changes can also exaserbate symptoms.

Scattered

Hi Ian,

Are you on any ADD meds? I'm not. As far as my memory goes, it's effecting my life.
It's not something I dwell on, but I do wonder if it's because of ADD or something else.
I'll ask someone a question and 5 minutes later I'll ask it again. Not remembering that I already asked it. A few months ago, my mom told me the family is getting together for my grandma's B-day. The day after her B-day my mom called and asked me why I didn't go..I have absolutely no memory of my mom telling me about it.

Deb

ADHD traits don't get worse per se,but the many adult related factors we take on as we age can and will add to the problem.

Look at the things in your life (job/career,extra stresses,responsibilities etc),and write them down-look at each category,and think about whether they are in need of altering in some way (if not done already,maybe getting up in the morning could be organised the day before,leave to do lists all over the house on coloured A4 sized paper....or see if any reasonable changes could be made to make your life less difficult in your job)
As for your memory difficulties-if you like speaking on equipment(phones etc) a dictatorphone(I think they're called) could be used to record what you want to remember,PDAs are also useful if you like computers,as some have alarms,and they're good for organising.

Kathleen Nadeau and Patricia Quinn have written and spoken extensively on this subject. Visit www.addvance.com (http://www.addvance.com) and click on "Help for Women and Girls."
Two pertinent articles are:
Hormones and Women with ADD (ADHD) (http://www.addvance.com/help/women/hormones.html)"...estrogen exerts profound effects on mood, mental states, and memory. Low levels of estrogen in women are associated with PMS, postnatal depression and post-menopausal depression."
Mid-life Transition for Women with ADD (ADHD) (http://www.addvance.com/help/women/transitions.html) "Many women whose ADD (ADHD) symptoms have been successfully treated with psychostimulants report that their stimulants are less effective during perimenopause and menopause."
JRJ

better over time...as almost all exceptional behaviour is...

Thank you!

Deb

Does ADD get worse as you age? For the past few years, I've noticed that my memory and attention span have been decreasing. :( I try to do things to keep my brain functioning like: reading, puzzles, research on health problems.

Deb :confused:
My Dad says, My 62 year old Mother(whom i have no contact with..thank heavens!) has calmed over the years(She is an un-diagnosed ADDer).

I've had varied obstacles through my life, being an un-diagnosed ADDer ; Failed at school...couldn't keep friends... blah blah blah
Now, at the age of 41, with a failed marriage behind me, i've been diagnosed... and waiting to try new meds as the first ones made me ill.

Over the years, some of my self taught coping stratergies, have got me through some tough times...just!

I feel a little calmer with age.. but sadly my memory has fell apart big style...

I sent one of my older children, down the shop, to get some milk and bread and then literally a minute or so later, i'm calling the childs name and start shouting them louder, because they are ignoring me... infact, they are doing an errand for me and i simply forgot!

I go to the cinema a lot...
The following day, someone can ask me about the film ; I've forgotten the film!!!... But after little reminders, from others,about the film, it comes back to me slowly.

I have never been able to finish a task... that has got slightly worse with age.

Pains in my head are worse than they used to be too!

I talk for England at times... erm.. a lot! LOL

I can control my impulsive behavior slightly better, than i did when i was younger, but again, because i learnt my way around situations to avoid aggitations... more Coping stratergies!!!

I'm Looking forward to seeing some improvements with the right medication!
Here's looking forward, instead of back!

Karen :)

Hi Karen,

I'm kind of in the same boat as you. Fortunately my children are grown, so I don't have to worry about that as much. Do you tend to worry alot about your children?

The reason my memory loss bothers me so much, is because even when I'm reminded of something I still can't remember it. It's a scary feeling...I'm going to my doctor on Thursday. Hopefully he can give me some sample meds I can try. I feel I'm at the point where I need something.

Deb

Karen, As I recall from other posts -- you have a very stressful and challenging life and a lot of responsibilities. My therapist is always reminding me how stress effects all cognitive functions and how it can really play havoc with ADD. Probably not big news to you!;)