Researchers are investigating whether existing dementia assessment tools may overlook signs of cognitive decline in autistic adults. Many screening tests were developed around neurotypical populations and may not accurately reflect the unique challenges faced by those on the autism spectrum. This study, published in JMIR Research Protocols, seeks to identify cognitive functions that are affected by dementia but less influenced by autism traits.
The University of Strathclyde's investigation will review four key areas of cognition—memory, attention, language, and executive function—to determine which abilities are most reliable for detecting dementia. By doing so, the researchers aim to develop more accurate assessments that can support earlier detection of cognitive decline in autistic adults.
Autism affects approximately 1% of the population globally, with tens of thousands living with dementia in Scotland alone. However, there is limited research on how autism and dementia may co-occur, particularly among older adults. This knowledge gap could lead to inaccurate results from existing screening tools designed for neurotypical individuals.
Lynsey Stewart, a Ph.D. student at the University's Department of Psychological Sciences and Health, notes that many abilities used in dementia screening can already differ across autistic people’s lives. She explains, "Long-standing differences between these populations may make it challenging to distinguish new signs of decline from typical lifelong variations."
By identifying specific cognitive functions affected by dementia but less influenced by autism traits, the study hopes to inform the development of more tailored diagnostic tools and improve clinical understanding of aging and neurodegenerative disease in autistic populations.
The research team, including Dr. William McGeown, Professor Jonathan Delafield-Butt, and Professor Mario A Parra Rodriguez, is optimistic that their findings will contribute significantly to better support for individuals with both autism and dementia.
