New study shows higher rates of dementia in autistic adults
January 16, 2025
A new study published in JAMA Network Open and conducted by researchers at Drexel University shows that autistic adults are significantly more likely to develop dementia than neurotypical adults, with more than one third of autistic people over age 64 diagnosed with dementia.
The study, which is the largest of its kind, analyzed Medicare and Medicaid data from over 114,000 adults with autism aged 30 and older. It found that 8% of autistic adults without intellectual disabilities (ID) and 8.9% of those with ID had been diagnosed with dementia—rates far higher than the 1% prevalence rate seen in the general population. The odds of a dementia diagnosis increased with age, with rates rising to 35.1% of autistic adults without ID and 31.2% of those with ID aged 64 and over.
Several factors may contribute to higher dementia risk in autistic adults. Researchers found that co-occurring conditions like cardiovascular disease, depression and other mental health disorders are linked to increased dementia risk. All of these conditions are more common in people with autism. Additionally, systemic barriers to healthcare, educational and social opportunities may contribute to increased health challenges as the autistic population ages.
While this study provides important insights, researchers emphasize that these findings are exploratory. Much more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between autism and dementia, as well as the underlying factors contributing to these disparities. Future studies will also need to focus on developing strategies to improve healthcare access and outcomes for aging autistic adults.
“These findings shed light on a critical yet underexplored issue in autism research,” says Dr. Andy Shih, chief science officer at Autism Speaks. “As autistic adults age, their health needs are evolving in ways we’re only beginning to understand. We need research on the unique health trajectories of aging autistic adults to ensure they have access to the care and services they need to live long, healthy lives. We also need to work to enhance their inclusion in the best adult healthcare available.”
Thanks to the recent passage of the Autism CARES Act, which includes provisions around supporting autistic people across the lifespan, further investments in research to address the unique needs of aging autistic adults can continue.
