Episode 53 - ADHD or Alzheimer's? Why The Symptoms Can Look So Alike

What if the memory lapses you thought were early-onset Alzheimer’s were actually ADHD hiding in plain sight? In this eye-opening episode of Grandma Has ADHD, host Jami Shapiro talks with Dan Sweiger—a healthcare industry leader and co-owner of BrightStar Care of Carlsbad, California’s top-rated home care agency.

Dan shares his powerful journey of being convinced he had dementia, only to discover in his mid-40s that ADHD was the real explanation. His story highlights the fear, relief, and surprising freedom that comes with a late-life diagnosis—and why so many older adults mistake ADHD symptoms for normal aging or memory loss.

Beyond his personal experience, Dan also talks about ADHD in families, the stigma of masking, and how embracing his diagnosis has reshaped his relationships, career, and outlook on life. Together, Jami and Dan explore what ADHD looks like after 50, why awareness matters, and how acceptance can lift the weight of shame and self-doubt.

If you’ve ever wondered whether your “senior moments” could be something more—or you want to support a loved one navigating ADHD later in life—this episode is a must-listen.

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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Chapters

• 5:11 Why ADHD is often mistaken for dementia or Alzheimer’s in older adults
• 6:15 The relief of an ADHD diagnosis—and how it can change everything
• 7:55 How multitasking and “serial multitasking” show up in ADHD brains
• 9:31 ADHD in families: from daughters to nephews, and how it runs in generations
• 18:17 The freedom that comes from naming ADHD instead of masking it
• 22:43 Tips for embracing ADHD, reducing stigma, and asking for support
• 27:10 How ADHD affects daily life, from paying bills to medication management
• 32:46 The “button question”: Would you turn off your ADHD if you could?
• 33:54 Advice for anyone discovering ADHD later in life—embrace it and let people in