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
• releasing years of shame
• improving relationships with family
• developing strategies that actually work

As Dr. Goodman explains, the goal is helping people understand the difference between:

“what you have” vs “who you are.”

A Powerful Personal Moment

Jami shares the emotional story of discovering that her own mother had ADHD after decades of struggle.

That realization transformed their relationship from frustration to understanding, bringing compassion, healing, and peace later in life.

Featured Resource

Book: This Explains So Much by Jami Shapiro

A powerful exploration of undiagnosed ADHD in women and how understanding it can transform lives and relationships.

Resources Mentioned

Jami Shapiro Website:
https://jamishapiro.me

Silver Linings Transitions
Helping families navigate downsizing, organizing, and life transitions with compassion.

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You never know who might finally hear something that makes them say:

“This explains so much.”