Episode Summary
In this powerful episode of Grandma Has ADHD, Jami Shapiro sits down with internationally recognized ADHD expert Dr. David W. Goodman to explore one of the most overlooked conversations in mental health: ADHD in older adults.

For decades, ADHD was believed to be something children simply “outgrew.” Dr. Goodman has spent over 40 years researching and treating adult ADHD, challenging that myth and helping the medical community understand that ADHD is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition.

Together, Jami and Dr. Goodman unpack why so many adults—especially women—are only now discovering their ADHD later in life, how it can be mistaken for memory loss or dementia, and why diagnosis can be deeply healing even in later years.

This episode is filled with insight, compassion, and hope for anyone who has ever wondered:

"Why has my brain always worked differently?"

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

✅ Why ADHD often goes undiagnosed until adulthood or later in life
✅ The surprising ways ADHD symptoms can mimic dementia or cognitive decline
✅ Why women and older adults are historically underdiagnosed
✅ How ADHD symptoms stay relatively stable, but life demands change how impairments appear
✅ Why many physicians still miss ADHD in older adults
✅ The emotional impact of discovering ADHD later in life
✅ How diagnosis can bring relief, healing, and restored relationships

About the Guest

Dr. David W. Goodman is an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Director of the Adult Attention Deficit Disorder Center of Maryland.

He is one of the world’s leading experts on adult ADHD, having:

• Delivered 750+ lectures worldwide
• Published 35+ peer-reviewed scientific papers
• Led major adult ADHD clinical trials
• Authored The Black Book of ADHD

His expertise has been featured in major outlets including CNN, ABC World News, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal.

Key Conversation Highlights

ADHD Doesn’t Disappear With Age
Research now shows ADHD is a lifelong neuropsychiatric condition, not something people grow out of.

Many adults are simply getting diagnosed for the first time later in life due to increased awareness.

ADHD vs Dementia
Older adults with ADHD may experience symptoms like:

• forgetfulness
• difficulty focusing
• losing track of tasks

These symptoms can sometimes be misinterpreted as early dementia, which is why proper evaluation is so important.

Why Women Are Diagnosed Later
For generations, ADHD was primarily associated with hyperactive boys.

Many girls showed inattentive symptoms instead, which were often overlooked. As a result, countless women have spent decades believing they were:

• lazy
• disorganized
• “too much”
• not trying hard enough

When in reality, they had undiagnosed ADHD.

The Impact of Awareness

A diagnosis later in life can bring a powerful shift:

• understanding past struggles

Thank you for joining us for this episode of Grandma Has ADHD! We hope Jami's journey and insights into ADHD shed light on the unique challenges faced by older adults. Stay tuned for more episodes where we’ll explore helpful resources, share personal stories, and provide guidance for those navigating ADHD. Don’t forget to subscribe and share this podcast with friends who might benefit. Remember, Make the rest of your life the best of your life.

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