Increased Dementia Risk in Higher‐Functioning Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Insights from 21,648 Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Our findings suggest that adults diagnosed with ASD may be at higher risk of developing dementia compared to peers without ASD. Smaller studies of ASD patients have also shown an association between ASD alone and ASD with ID and increased dementia risk compared to the general population, but both of less magnitude. These cumulative findings underscore the importance of heightened awareness and earlier dementia screening in autistic adults.