The purpose of this project is to look at neurodegeneration in people with neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism or ADHD. This may also be called neurodivergence. Little work has examined neurodegeneration (which includes conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s) in neurodivergent people. Based on neurological similarities between neurodivergence and neurodegeneration, it seems possible that neurodegeneration may be more likely in neurodivergent people. Previous studies have suggested this. Before a diagnosis of dementia, people also show signs of cognitive decline. We will examine this in our study. This is an important measure because the first signs of cognitive decline are important points of intervention to prevent or slow decline.
The second purpose of this study is to explore lifestyle factors that may be related to reduced risk of neurodegeneration in neurodivergent people. This is important because if we understand what makes neurodegeneration less likely, we can aim to improve the uptake of these factors. Some lifestyle factors are thought to make neurodegeneration less likely when studied in the general population, including physical activity and cardiovascular health. The relationship of these factors with neurodegeneration in neurodivergent people is not understood and may be expected to be different than in people who are not neurodivergent. Therefore, we will examine how changes to specific lifestyle factors may reduce risk of neurodegeneration in neurodivergent people.
Overall, this study aims to expand our understanding of neurodegeneration in neurodivergent people, with the ultimate goal of improving health and well-being.
