Grant: Master's Award: Canada Graduate Scholarships

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a neurodevelopmental disorder, and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), a neurodegenerative disorder, have been often associated with one another in previous literature. Both disorders are primarily diagnosed in males, with previous literature demonstrating that both disorders separately may have a gendered presentation. However, there is a gap in the research literature investigating the effects of gender on the association between the two disorders. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the effects of gender on adults diagnosed with DLB who also have a characteristically high level of ADHD traits. Both male and female participants will be recruited from the Movement Disorders Clinic and the Cognitive Neurosciences Clinic. The presentation of ADHD traits will be determined using the Connor’s Adult ADHD Rating Scales (CAARS). Memory, language and executive function will be measured through the utilization of a full neuropsychological test library. The results of this study will provide important insight into the relationship between ADHD and DLB, specifically on how gender affects this relationship and alters the presentation of DLB in those with a high incidence of ADHD traits. If specific gender differences are found, this research can be used to create more targeted and meaningful interventions and treatments for those diagnosed with these disorders.