Children and Adults with ADHD (CHADD)

In this episode of ADHD 365, neuropsychologist Brandy Callahan discusses the relationship between ADHD and brain health, especially as individuals age. An expert in cognitive aging and brain health, Dr. Callahan, explains how over time, ADHD can have an impact on memory, executive function, and overall cognitive abilities. She highlights the importance of managing stress, sleep, and vascular health, as well as the potential benefits of lifestyle changes such as regular exercise and social engagement.

Dr. Callahan also touches on the double challenge faced by adults with ADHD, especially women, who may experience both aging and ADHD-related cognitive difficulties. She shares valuable insights into the emerging research on ADHD and brain health, practical strategies for supporting brain health, and the role of mindfulness, sleep hygiene, and social interaction in maintaining cognitive function.

Resources for Maintaining Brain Health with ADHD

- National Institute on Aging

Offers comprehensive resources on aging and brain health.

- Alzheimer’s Association

Provides excellent information on brain health and aging, particularly related to Alzheimer's disease.

- Mayo Clinic

Specialized clinics with valuable resources on brain health.

- Family Doctors, Psychiatrists, and Psychologists

Personalized advice and recommendations for brain health, particularly valuable as they can consider individual health and family history.

- LIBRA Lab (Dr. Brandy Callahan’s research group)

For more information on research into ADHD and brain health, visit: www.libralab.ca.

The transition from high school to college is a significant challenge for any student, but for those with ADHD and other learning disabilities, the shift can be even more daunting. In this episode of ADHD 365, we spoke with Elizabeth Hamblet, a learning disabilities consultant with over two decades of experience, about how students who learn differently can successfully navigate the college environment.

Hamblet shares insights on how college differs from high school for students with learning disabilities, the types of accommodations available, and the importance of developing independence before starting college. She emphasizes the need for proper documentation and offers strategies for selecting the right college. She also discusses how parents and educators can support students through this critical transition. With practical advice and a focus on empowerment, this episode provides valuable resources for students and families who are preparing for the college journey.

It is becoming increasingly common for college students to misuse prescription stimulants meant to treat ADHD. What factors drive this misuse, and how can it be addressed?

In this episode, Dr. Kevin Antshel, a licensed psychologist and professor of psychology at Syracuse University, discusses the primary motivations behind stimulant misuse. He identifies high-risk groups and discusses the awareness of counterfeit drugs among students. Dr. Antshel also discusses ways to reduce ADHD medication misuse, including strategies for preventing drug diversion and educating parents.

En este episodio de Todas las cosas TDAH podcast titulado “Qué le pasa a los padres cuando escuchan que sus hijos tienen TDAH?”. Los presentadores Tamara Schlez y Miguelina Suero de la organización El Futuro hablan sobre cómo se sienten los padres cuando descubren que su hijo tiene TDAH. Comparten historias personales y hablan sobre el torbellino de emociones que los padres experimentan cuando reciben esta noticia. Hablan sobre problemas culturales y estigma en la comunidad latina en relación al TDAH y cómo los padres pueden encontrar un equilibrio entre los valores tradicionales y las necesidades de sus hijos. Discuten los desafíos que enfrentan los padres al encontrar apoyo y recursos para la educación y el comportamiento de sus hijos. Tami y Miguelina brindan estrategias y recursos para ayudar a los padres a sobrellevar esta situación y abogar por sus hijos, con el objetivo de crear una comunidad donde los padres puedan hablar y aceptar el TDAH.

Like many adults with ADHD, you may struggle with symptoms that create barriers to eating a healthy diet. Do you turn to convenience foods, especially when you’re busy? Are you bothered by stress eating, chaotic food shopping, or kitchen disorganization? The good news is that you CAN take charge of meal planning!

Our guest in this episode is Kim Arrey, a registered dietitian nutritionist. She offers practical strategies tailored for people with ADHD, while giving guidelines for healthy eating and meal preparation. She also explains how developing good habits will improve your life.

How can cultivating a meditation practice help people with ADHD to manage symptoms and improve their quality of life?

Our guest for this episode is Adam Coutts, a meditation teacher who discovered that he had ADHD as an adult. He explains mindfulness and meditation practices and describes their benefits for individuals with ADHD. He also talks about how to ease into a meditation practice and develop strategies for meditating effectively even while experiencing the symptoms of ADHD.

Click here to learn more about how to start a meditation practice: https://intromeditation.com/Wordpress/resources-for-beginner-meditators/

Adults with ADHD often experience difficulties with navigating post-retirement life without the structure and the support offered by their workplace. Many find estate planning especially challenging.

In this episode, Rick Webster, the founder and CEO of Rena-Fi, shares his expertise on how you can organize and manage your wealth-building journey and retirement life. He outlines ways to avoid the pitfalls of financial planning and discusses how to build a professional and peer support network, handle the estate planning process, and create an ideal post-retirement lifestyle.

Learn more about how to holistically manage your finances and ADHD here: https://www.renafi.com/

While most of the available information about ADHD deals with how it affects children and teenagers, we know it is a lifelong condition. How does ADHD affect people who are age fifty and older? Why are diagnoses increasing in this age group? What special challenges do they face, and how can they improve their daily lives?

Our guest for this episode is psychologist Kathleen Nadeau, founder of the Chesapeake Center and author or coauthor of more than a dozen books on ADHD. She discusses what ADHD looks like in older adults, the ways ADHD is more challenging for women, what to expect if you pursue a midlife diagnosis, and more. She also shares a few simple steps you can take to improve your quality of life with ADHD.

What is cognitive disengagement syndrome, formerly known as sluggish cognitive tempo? How does being “internally distracted” affect a person’s daily life and activities? How is CDS identified in children and adolescents, and can it be treated?

In this episode, Stephen Becker, PhD, and Joseph Fredrick, PhD, describe CDS and contrast its key differences from the difficulties typically seen in ADHD. As researchers and clinical psychologists, they stress the importance of comprehensive evaluations and evidence-based interventions. They discuss the links between CDS and other mental health conditions and share information about treatment options.

Find out more at: The Center for ADHD - https://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/service/c/adhd

Many people between the ages of 35 and 54 care for both children and aging parents. This double load of caregiving responsibilities may cause them to neglect self-care, which can take a toll on their relationships and physical and mental health.

In this episode, Stephanie Moulton Sarkis, PhD, a published author and licensed mental health counselor who has been in practice for over 20 years, discusses the ways in which being part of the sandwich generation is different for people with ADHD. She shares tips on how to identify stressors and create healthy habits to deal with them, avoid burnout, and create and uphold boundaries.