A groundbreaking study led by the University of Edinburgh has revealed significant genetic links between dyslexia and ADHD, providing new hope for targeted support and treatment strategies.
Researchers led by the University of Edinburgh have made a significant breakthrough in understanding the genetic foundations of dyslexia and its overlap with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The study has found that both conditions share multiple common genes, setting them apart from other developmental and mental health disorders, such as autism, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
The research, the first of its kind to explore genetic links to dyslexia in the context of neurodevelopmental and psychiatric traits, promises to pave the way for personalized educational and support strategies for individuals affected by these conditions.
“This is the first time that genetic links to dyslexia have been studied in the context of psychiatric traits,” lead author Austėja Čiulkinytė, a doctoral student of translational neuroscience at the University of Edinburgh, said in a news release. “In the future, other learning difficulties, such as dyscalculia or dyspraxia, should be included to allow for a more nuanced understanding of the relationships between them.”
Dyslexia, impacting around 10% of the population, is characterized by difficulties in reading and spelling, while ADHD involves challenges with concentration, hyperactivity and impulsivity.
This pioneering research scrutinized large, anonymized datasets of genetic information related to 10 neurodevelopmental and psychiatric conditions, leveraging genetic statistics from an analysis involving approximately 1 million individuals in collaboration with genomics and biotechnology giant 23andMe.
Using sophisticated statistical tools, researchers identified five genetically linked clusters, referred to as latent genomic factors, among the psychiatric traits examined. Notably, ADHD exhibited a stronger relation to an attention and learning difficulties factor compared to traits such as autism and Tourette syndrome.
Detailed analyses led to the identification of 49 genetic regions and 174 genes shared between dyslexia and ADHD, with 40 regions and 121 genes being novel discoveries in this context. This genetic overlap could provide the basis for revolutionizing how dyslexia and ADHD are understood and managed.
“By studying many related behaviors together, we are able to boost the statistical power for gene discovery,” Michelle Luciano, a professor at the University of Edinburgh’s School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences, said in the news release.
The potential implications of this study are profound. Understanding the shared genetic architecture of dyslexia and ADHD can lead to more tailored and effective educational, employment and well-being support systems, ultimately improving the lives of those affected.
The research has been published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry and represents a collaboration between the University of Edinburgh and 23andMe, with support from Wellcome, the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council and the Max Planck Society.
As this research continues to develop, the hope is that it will not only enhance our understanding of dyslexia and ADHD but also open new avenues for addressing other related learning difficulties, ensuring comprehensive support for individuals struggling with these challenges.