If you’re a pastor, ministry leader, or counselor, you see it every week. The anxiety behind the smiles. The exhaustion in people stretched too thin. The loneliness, the broken relationships, the quiet wavering of faith. You long to help the people in your care flourish—in body, mind, and spirit—but you may not always know where to begin, or wish you had a clear, proven path to guide them.
That’s exactly why Amen WHOLE-4 was created. It’s a groundbreaking wellness journey that unites two things often treated as opposites—cutting-edge brain science and timeless biblical truth—into one transformative experience designed for faith communities. The conviction at its heart is simple and hopeful: when the brain heals, the whole person heals, and when people heal, communities flourish. Let’s explore what Amen WHOLE-4 is, how it works, and who it’s for.
Amen WHOLE-4 is a faith-based, brain-health program that blends neuroscience and Scripture to renew four essential areas of life: mind, body, relationships, and spirit. It was created by Dr. Daniel Amen—double board-certified psychiatrist, founder of Amen Clinics, and one of the world’s leading voices for treating mental health as brain health—and is offered through Amen University.
What makes the program so credible is its foundation. It draws on more than 45 years of clinical practice and the insights gathered from nearly 300,000 brain SPECT scans—the world’s largest database of its kind—woven together with the wisdom of Scripture. It is not a quick fix or a fad diet. It’s a path to lasting transformation, built for churches and faith-based organizations that want to bring real, science- and faith-backed hope to the people they serve.
For too long, faith and science have been framed as rivals. Amen WHOLE-4 reveals that, when it comes to human flourishing, they’re actually telling the same story.
Consider the brain’s remarkable ability to change. Neuroscientists call it neuroplasticity—the brain’s capacity to rewire and renew throughout life. Scripture described this truth two thousand years earlier: “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2). And the harmony goes deeper:
In other words, the spiritual disciplines that have nourished believers for millennia are also, quite literally, good for the brain. Amen WHOLE-4 brings these two streams together into one integrated approach—a deeper exploration of the same vision shared in Where Brain Science Meets Scripture: Inside Amen WHOLE-4.
The “WHOLE-4” name reflects the program’s core insight: lasting health requires tending to the whole person across four interconnected circles. Struggles like anxiety, fatigue, and broken relationships are rarely separate problems—they’re often symptoms of the same strain, and they share the same path to healing.
When all four circles are cared for together—rather than one in isolation—transformation becomes not only possible, but sustainable.
One of the most practical strengths of Amen WHOLE-4 is its flexibility. It can be delivered however best fits your community—as a sermon series, classes, or small groups—making it adaptable for congregations of any size.
The journey begins with six transformative foundational sessions:
For communities ready to go deeper, an extended Mastery track continues the journey over twelve additional sessions. And because busy leaders need support, the program is fully turnkey—giving pastors, counselors, and ministry leaders everything they need to launch and sustain it:
Amen WHOLE-4 is highly adaptable, making it a fit for nearly any faith community or mission-driven organization. It works especially well for:
This isn’t a theoretical model—it’s proven at scale. Amen WHOLE-4 grew out of the same vision behind The Daniel Plan, the program Dr. Amen co-created at Saddleback Church, where 15,000 people joined in the very first week and participants collectively lost more than 250,000 pounds in a single year, with major improvements in energy, mood, and overall health. When a whole community embraces whole-person health together, the results can be extraordinary.
The need has never been more pressing. Anxiety, depression, burnout, loneliness, and a growing sense of lost purpose are touching families and congregations everywhere—roughly one in five U.S. adults lives with a mental illness, and the strain reaches far beyond any single diagnosis. People are searching for hope that addresses the whole person, not just isolated symptoms.
Faith communities are uniquely positioned to offer exactly that. They already gather people, build relationships, and speak to the deepest questions of meaning and purpose. Amen WHOLE-4 equips them with the brain science to match their spiritual wisdom—so they can guide their people toward genuine, lasting flourishing. You can explore more of that vision in Find a New Path to Whole-Person Healing with Amen WHOLE-4.
If your heart is stirred to bring real, lasting hope to the people you lead, Amen WHOLE-4 was made for this moment. Created by Dr. Daniel Amen and built on more than four decades of brain-health research and the timeless truth of Scripture, the Amen WHOLE-4 gives churches, counseling centers, and faith communities a complete, ready-to-launch path to renew mind, body, relationships, and spirit—together.
Imagine your congregation with sharper focus, deeper rest, stronger families, freedom from toxic habits, and a closer walk with God. That’s the transformation Amen WHOLE-4 is designed to spark. The program is currently welcoming faith communities into its pilot, so there’s no better time to get involved. Apply to bring Amen WHOLE-4 to your community today, and help the people you love flourish in every circle of life.
TL;DR
ADHD symptoms in women are often subtle and easy to miss, showing up as overwhelm, distractibility, emotional intensity, and difficulty staying organized rather than obvious hyperactivity. Because these symptoms overlap with conditions like anxiety, depression, and hormonal changes, many women go years without a clear diagnosis.
A comprehensive, brain-based evaluation can help uncover what’s really driving these challenges. With the right combination of lifestyle strategies, therapy, and personalized care, many women can improve focus, manage emotions, and feel more in control of their daily lives.
Medically reviewed by Kandace Licciardi, MD, Medical Director, Amen Clinics
Do you ever feel like your brain is running in a dozen different directions at once, yet nothing actually gets done? Are you overwhelmed, behind, and exhausted, even though you’re trying harder than everyone else just to keep up?
For many women, this isn’t just stress or a busy life. It’s ADHD.
ADHD symptoms in women often look different than the hyperactive stereotype. Instead, they may show up as distractibility, disorganization, forgetfulness, poor follow-through, chronic overwhelm, emotional intensity, and difficulty managing time or routines.
Because these symptoms are often internal, they’re easy to miss or misinterpret. Many women feel anxious, scattered, or like they’re constantly falling behind without realizing there may be an underlying cause.
At Amen Clinics, clinicians frequently see women who have spent years trying to understand why life feels harder than it should. These symptoms often overlap with conditions like anxiety, depression, sleep issues, and hormone changes, which can delay an accurate diagnosis. For some, the realization only comes after a child is diagnosed and the pattern starts to make sense.
A comprehensive, brain-focused evaluation can help uncover what’s really happening and guide more personalized, effective care.
In this blog, you’ll learn what ADHD symptoms in women look like and how to find the right support.
Studies show that internalized ADHD symptoms contribute to delays in diagnosis and frequent mislabeling of women as “anxious, scattered, or overly emotional."
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), also known as attention deficit disorder (ADD), is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects attention, focus, and impulse control.
But in adult women, ADD can show up in subtle ways that are easy to miss or misinterpret, particularly if they don’t align with common expectations.
Common ADHD symptoms in women may include:
Chronic disorganization
Forgetfulness
Procrastination
Restlessness that feels internal rather than obvious
Poor follow-through
Trouble focusing on boring or repetitive tasks
Impulsivity
Mental clutter or feeling overwhelmed
Chronic lateness or time blindness
Emotional reactivity
Frequently losing items
Trouble prioritizing
Starting projects but not finishing them
Difficulty switching tasks
Feeling exhausted from overcompensating
ADHD in women is often overlooked because it doesn’t always match the common expectation of hyperactivity.
Girls and women are typically less outwardly disruptive than boys, so their struggles may go unnoticed at home or in school. Inattentive symptoms are often mistaken for daydreaming, lack of motivation, stress, or even personality traits rather than signs of a neurodevelopmental condition.
Many women also develop coping strategies to manage daily responsibilities. While these can help them function, they may mask underlying difficulties for years, delaying recognition of a deeper pattern.
In addition, overlapping conditions such as anxiety or depression often receive more attention, leaving ADHD unrecognized and leading to treatment that addresses symptoms rather than root causes.
Hormonal changes can further complicate the picture. Transitions such as puberty, pregnancy, and menopause may influence brain function, sometimes intensifying symptoms or making them more noticeable at different stages of life.
Related: 6 Unexpected Signs You Might Have High-Functioning ADHD
Many ADHD women appear to be high functioning on the surface, while they quietly struggle with focus, organization, and mental overload. This can go on for years.
As a way of coping, they may mask symptoms through overworking, perfectionism, or people-pleasing. Although these strategies may help them to keep up with life, they come at the cost of burnout and exhaustion.
As responsibilities in adulthood grow, such as work demands, parenting, scheduling, household management, and finances, these symptoms may become noticeable and more difficult to manage.
Studies show that these internalized symptoms contribute to delays in diagnosis and frequent mislabeling of women as “anxious, scattered, or overly emotional.”
In some cases, ADHD symptoms in women may present like other medical or mental health disorders.
It’s not uncommon for ADHD symptoms to overlap with symptoms of depression, anxiety, or trauma.
Difficulties with motivation, emotional regulation, and focus can also be connected to sleep, thyroid, other hormone-related issues, or reproductive hormonal changes during pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause, and menopause. Indeed, studies indicate that hormonal fluctuations can exacerbate ADHD-like symptoms, complicating accurate diagnosis.
Sometimes, a history of head injury, or even ongoing brain fog, can cause similar challenges with mental clarity, memory, and attention. Some patterns, such as intense focus on particular thoughts or tasks, can also resemble OCD-like tendencies even when the underlying cause is different.
Symptoms of ADHD are likely to overlap with other medical and mental health concerns, which is among the reasons why self-diagnosis can miss the bigger picture.
It’s crucial for a qualified medical doctor or mental health professional to carefully evaluate underlying medical causes and consider other mental health conditions before settling on any diagnosis.
With a database of nearly 300,000 brain scans, our imaging work at Amen Clinics has revealed seven types of ADD/ADHD. Each type is linked to different brain blood flow and activity patterns in the brain and associated symptoms. The diagnosis of ADHD can present very differently from one individual to another, even if they have some shared symptoms.
Four of the seven types of ADD/ADHD are more common in women:
Inattentive ADD: The second most common ADD type, this involves normal activity at rest, but during concentration there tends to be decreased activity in the prefrontal cortex, cerebellum, and basal ganglia. This type is not hyperactive and tends to be perceived as daydreamy, spacy, or slow.
Over-focused ADD: This type has increased activity at rest and during concentration in the anterior cingulate gyrus, as well as decreased activity in the prefrontal cortex, cerebellum, and basal ganglia. Women with this type tend to get stuck in negative thinking patterns, become hyper-focused, and have difficulty shifting attention. They can be hyperactive, but more likely are not.
Anxious ADD: This type combines low activity in the prefrontal cortex and overactivity in the basal ganglia. Women with this type are frequently anxious, tense, and conflict avoidant. They fear being judged, predict the worst, and can be hyperactive, but more often are not.
Temporal lobe ADD: This type shares the hallmark findings of reduced activity in the prefrontal cortex, cerebellum, and basal ganglia during concentration in addition to decreased or increased activity in the temporal lobes. This type may occur with a head injury and often involves issues with learning, memory, mood instability, and aggression. Hyperactivity may or may not be present.
Although these types may share some overlapping symptoms, they are connected to different underlying patterns of brain blood flow and activity.
When our clinicians can identify these distinct types of ADHD, common in women, using SPECT, it helps guide them to create more targeted, personalized care instead of more traditional, one-size-fits-all approaches.
If your ADD symptoms persist or begin to interfere with your daily life, you may need to seek professional intervention. Research shows that adults with untreated ADHD often experience significant functional impairment in work, relationships, and daily responsibilities.
Here are clear signs that it may be time to seek a comprehensive evaluation:
If your symptoms are severe or you have concerns about your well-being or safety, it’s crucial to seek prompt attention from a medical professional.
Traditional approaches to diagnosing and treating ADHD usually depend on symptom checklists and medication management, which may not fully uncover or treat root causes.
Our clinicians at Amen Clinics focus on a brain-health-first approach that goes much deeper than conventional evaluations.
Our comprehensive evaluation includes brain SPECT imaging, a detailed personal health history, and neuropsychological testing.
The personal health history documents significant factors like stress, sleep, hormones, inflammation, past trauma, nutrition, toxins and a history of head injuries together with other biological contributors that may be affecting brain function. Sometimes additional lab work is added to the evaluation in order to rule out underlying biological factors.
As part of our broader commitment to precision medicine, our clinicians use this collection of data to more clearly understand the root causes of symptoms and make more accurate diagnoses and targeted, personalized treatment plans.
Practicing holistic psychiatry, our clinicians develop treatment plans that may include a mix of lifestyle recommendations (exercise, sleep optimization, dietary supplements, relaxation techniques, etc.), supplements, therapy, and medication, when appropriate.
Brain SPECT imaging shows our clinicians how your brain is functioning, whereas MRI and CT scans primarily look at brain anatomy. SPECT measures blood flow and activity patterns in different regions of the brain.
Clinical studies suggest that integrating functional brain imaging with symptom assessment improves diagnostic accuracy and helps guide personalized treatment.
Indeed, SPECT imaging can help reveal patterns associated with attention problems, impulsivity, anxiety, overfocus, and other overlapping concerns. When symptoms are complex or resemble other mental health conditions, this functional information can provide added clarity during the evaluation process.
SPECT imaging also reinforces an important concept: ADHD is not a one-size-fits-all condition. Two people may share similar symptoms, yet the underlying brain patterns driving those symptoms can be very different.
That distinction matters when it comes to treatment. An approach that helps one person may be ineffective or even make symptoms worse for another. By combining brain imaging with a comprehensive clinical evaluation, our clinicians can develop more personalized recommendations based on your unique brain function and symptom profile.
The best support for women struggling with ADHD symptoms addresses both daily habits and brain health.
Some helpful approaches may include:
With these strategies, many women can become better at managing their symptoms and gain more control of their daily lives. Research indicates that individualized, brain-focused interventions can significantly enhance executive function, organization, and emotional regulation in women with ADHD.
It can be a great relief to understand that the ADHD symptoms you may have been struggling with for years are not reflective of any personal deficiency or character flaw, but rather a sign of a brain that works differently.
It can be helpful to track your symptoms, taking note of when they are better or wors. For example, do your symptoms worsen during periods of poor sleep, stress, hormonal changes, or mental overload? Do they improve with better nutrition or exercise?
It may be useful to also reflect back on your history. Did you have trouble or did you do well in school? What were your family life experiences like? Sometimes long-standing patterns will start to reveal themselves.
This kind of information can be very helpful when seeking a comprehensive evaluation with a qualified medical or mental health professional
ADHD symptoms in women are often overlooked, especially when they show up as overwhelm, distractibility, or emotional intensity instead of obvious hyperactivity.
Unfortunately, because these patterns can be subtle and overlap with other conditions, many women go years without clear answers.
However, the bright news is that a comprehensive evaluation can help identify what’s really driving these challenges and guide more effective support. With the right strategies, many women can improve focus, regulate emotions, and feel more in control of their daily lives.
There is no one-size-fits-all solution, which is why a personalized, brain-based approach matters. If you’re looking for deeper answers, Amen Clinics offers comprehensive evaluations designed to understand your brain and create targeted, individualized care.
Common ADHD symptoms in women may include procrastination, forgetfulness, poor follow-through, distractibility, disorganization, emotional reactivity, and chronic overwhelm.
In adult women, ADHD symptoms often include mental overload, trouble prioritizing, internal restlessness, time-management difficulties, and feeling like everyday life takes more effort than it should.
ADHD in women may be missed because symptoms are often less disruptive and may not include obvious hyperactivity. Symptoms are typically more internalized and easier to mistake for stress, anxiety, depression, or personality traits.
Brain SPECT imaging can provide valuable insight into how your brain is functioning, which may help identify patterns associated with attention, impulsivity, and emotional regulation.
Unlike standard evaluations that rely primarily on symptom checklists, SPECT scans measure blood flow and activity in different areas of the brain, offering additional data to support a more comprehensive assessment.
At Amen Clinics, brain imaging is used as part of a broader evaluation that also includes a detailed history, clinical assessments, and, when needed, lab work. This brain-body approach can help differentiate ADHD from other conditions with overlapping symptoms and guide more personalized treatment recommendations.
If ADHD symptoms have persisted for years without clear answers, this type of in-depth evaluation may provide greater clarity about what may be contributing to your challenges and how to address them effectively.
ADHD and other mental health conditions can’t wait. At Amen Clinics, we practice precision medicine—using brain SPECT imaging and comprehensive evaluations to understand what’s really happening in your brain, not just your symptoms.
Our whole-body approach to holistic psychiatry combines cutting-edge neuroscience with natural ways to treat mental health conditions, including targeted nutrition, supplements, lifestyle strategies, therapy, and medications (when necessary). Every treatment plan is personalized to address the root causes of your struggles and support the health of your brain, body, and mind.
Don’t settle for guesswork. You deserve answers—and a plan built specifically for you. Speak with a Brain Health Advisor today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page to get started.
About the Reviewer
Kandace Licciardi, MD, Medical Director, Amen Clinics
Dr. Kandace Licciardi is a double board-certified psychiatrist in adult and forensic psychiatry and serves as Medical Director of Amen Clinics. She takes a comprehensive, whole-person approach to care, integrating evidence-based psychiatric treatment with lifestyle, social, and wellness factors. Dr. Licciardi has extensive experience treating depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, psychotic disorders, and borderline personality disorder, with special expertise in early psychosis intervention. She completed her psychiatry residency at Maimonides Medical Center and her forensic psychiatry fellowship at New York University.
Quinn, P. O., & Madhoo, M. (2014). A review of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in women and girls: uncovering this hidden diagnosis. Prim Care Companion CNS Disord, 16(3), 27250. https://doi.org/10.4088/PCC.13r01596
Osianlis, E., Thomas, E. H., Jenkins, L. M., & Gurvich, C. (2025). ADHD and sex hormones in females: A systematic review. Journal of Attention Disorders, 29(9), 706-723.doi: 10.1177/10870547251332319
Kosheleff, A. R., Mason, O., Jain, R., Koch, J., & Rubin, J. (2023). Functional impairments associated with ADHD in adulthood and the impact of pharmacological treatment. Journal of attention disorders, 27(7), 669-697. doi: 10.1177/10870547231158572
Ramos-Galarza, C., Brito, D., Rodríguez, B., Guerrero, B., Cruz-Cárdenas, J., & Bolaños-Pasquel, M. (2024). Systematic review of executive function stimulation methods in the ADHD population. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 13(14), 4208. doi: 10.3390/jcm13144208
Fortney, J. C., Unützer, J., Wrenn, G., Pyne, J. M., Smith, G. R., Schoenbaum, M., & Harbin, H. (2017). A tipping point for measurement-based care. Psychiatric Services, 68(2), 179–188. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ps.201600200
TL;DR:
A mental health crisis occurs when emotional or psychological distress becomes so severe that it threatens safety or the ability to function. Warning signs may include extreme mood changes, withdrawal, impulsive behavior, or thoughts of self-harm. Immediate support and stabilization are critical, but lasting recovery depends on identifying and addressing underlying causes.
Looking at the brain, including patterns of brain activity, can help uncover what’s driving symptoms and guide more effective, personalized care. With early intervention and a whole-person approach, long-term healing and stability are possible.
Medically reviewed by Kandace Licciardi, MD, Medical Director, Amen Clinics
Have you ever wondered, what is a mental health crisis? It’s a phrase that gets used often, but it’s important to clearly understand what it really means.
A mental health crisis is a situation in which a person’s emotional or psychological state poses an immediate risk to themselves or others or severely impairs their ability to function. Understanding what constitutes a mental health crisis is the first step in recognizing when someone needs urgent support.
Moments of crisis can overwhelm both the brain and body, making it difficult to regulate emotions, think clearly, or make safe decisions.
Mental health crises can look very different from one person to another. Some happen suddenly and feel intense, while others build gradually over time until reaching a breaking point.
For some, a crisis may involve confusion, panic, or withdrawal. For others, it may show up as deep despair, impulsive behavior, or thoughts of self-harm. Symptoms, severity, and triggers can vary widely.
No matter how it appears, a mental health crisis requires attention and care. Recognizing what’s happening can put you or a loved one in a better position to get the right support.
In this blog, you’ll learn how to identify the signs of a mental health crisis, understand its causes, know what to do in the moment, and support long-term brain health and recovery.
A mental health crisis is a situation in which a person’s emotional or psychological state poses an immediate risk to themselves or others or severely impairs their ability to function.
A mental health crisis occurs when someone experiences overwhelming emotional distress or behavioral instability that requires immediate intervention to ensure safety.
Research shows that in such a situation, the person may be struggling to regulate their emotions, think clearly, or engage in basic responsibilities of the day. Depending on the individual, crises can present in various ways. However, there are common scenarios that indicate a crisis, such as the following:
When you are able to recognize the early warning signs of a mental health crisis, you are better equipped to prevent the situation from escalating. The symptoms below can indicate that someone may be approaching or is experiencing a mental breakdown:
It’s important to note that not all signs of emotional distress rise to the level of crisis. However, if you or your loved one experiences these signs, especially if the signs are new, worsening, or occurring together, there’s a need for prompt attention and professional evaluation.
Usually, mental health crises result from a combination of biological factors, life circumstances, and underlying conditions that affect how an individual’s brain functions or responds to stressful situations.
Research shows that disruptions in brain activity, especially in areas involved in mood regulation, impulse control, and stress response, can increase vulnerability to mental health crises.
Some of the most common contributors may include:
Mental health crises are not a sign of character weakness. They are a reflection of the changes that occur in brain function or overall health. It’s important to understand that such situations deserve compassionate, evidence-based care.
If you or a loved one is experiencing a mental health crisis, staying as calm as possible and taking practical steps can help reduce immediate risk and support safety. Creating a stable, supportive environment is key while you seek appropriate help.
Studies show that early intervention and a compassionate, steady presence during a crisis can significantly improve outcomes and lower the risk of harm.
Here are some helpful steps to take during a mental health crisis:
If it’s safe to do so, stay with the distressed person to offer presence and reassurance.
Speak to them in a calm and steady voice.
Listen without judgment.
Remove access to items that are potentially harmful, like sharp objects, medication, or other means of harm.
If there’s immediate danger to the distressed person or other people around, it’s important to contact emergency services.
Call 988 (U.S. Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) for support and guidance.
If the situation requires urgent psychiatric or medical care, seek care at the nearest emergency room.
Hospitalization may be necessary when a person’s safety cannot be maintained in a less intensive setting, even with support in place. It is typically considered in the following situations:
The individual is unable to meet basic daily needs, such as eating, sleeping, maintaining hygiene, or functioning safely.
There is an imminent risk of harm to themselves or others.
They are experiencing medical instability related to mental health symptoms, co-occurring conditions, or substance use.
Severe psychosis is present, including hallucinations or delusions that significantly impair awareness or judgment.
In these situations, hospitalization provides short-term stabilization in a structured and supervised environment. Care may include medication management, continuous monitoring, and therapeutic support to help regulate thinking, mood, and behavior.
The goal of hospitalization is to restore safety, reduce risk, and to prepare for follow-up care that is appropriate, such as therapy or outpatient treatment.
The main focus of crisis stabilization is immediate safety. Stabilization helps to lower risk of harm, reduce acute symptoms, and ensure the individual is in a more stable state to think more clearly and start the next phase of care.
This is a very important step, especially for someone who is in danger or is overwhelmed, and it usually involves structured, short-term support.
While it’s important, stabilization alone doesn’t address the entire challenge. There is still a need for careful evaluation to address the underlying factors that led to the crisis, like trauma, mood disorders, medical conditions, chronic stress, and substance use. If the root causes are not properly identified and treated, symptoms can persist over time.
For some people, it can develop into a pattern of repeated crises. Not fully understanding the drivers of distress would mean that care would only focus on managing the urgent episodes instead of preventing them from recurring.
With a comprehensive approach, professionals look beyond immediate stabilization to assess lifestyle factors, brain health, and the contributing conditions.
This creates room for more targeted support that is focused on reducing future crises as well as improving overall well-being. At the same time, it recognizes the crucial role mental health stabilization and hospital care play in keeping people safe in critical moments.
Amen Clinics approaches mental health crises with a brain health-first philosophy. While our clinics do not handle acute crisis care, our team is skilled at providing care after stabilization, hospitalization, or in-patient program. Our methods are geared to treating root causes, supporting long-term mental health, and reducing the likelihood of future mental health crises.
Unlike traditional mental health providers, Amen Clinics’ comprehensive evaluation does much more than focus on symptoms. Our whole-body approach includes brain SPECT imaging, collecting a detailed personal history, and neurocognitive testing (as well as additional lab work, if necessary).
Our clinicians look at the whole person, as well as brain function. They take time to evaluate lifestyle habits and rule out biological causes that may be playing a role in symptomology. Factors like past head injuries, thyroid dysfunction, hormonal imbalances, or inflammation can all influence mental health as well as increase an individual’s vulnerability to crises.
In terms of examining brain function, brain SPECT imaging reveals blood flow and activity patterns in the brain, which help reveal underlying causes driving mental health symptoms. Clinical experience has shown that various symptom clusters, for instance, depression, anxiety, or impulsivity, may reflect distinct brain patterns.
With close to 300,000 brain scans performed, our imaging work has revealed nuanced differences in disorders such as depression, anxiety, and ADHD. These conditions can share symptomology, which can lead to misdiagnosis through traditional methods. But our clinicians can see what is happening in the brain, which helps them more accurately identify conditions. In fact, our imaging work has revealed seven distinct subtypes of anxiety and depression, and seven subtypes of ADHD.
This kind of thorough and detailed data not only helps to inform more accurate diagnoses, it helps our clinicians to practice precision medicine in creating effective, tailored treatment plans for individuals rather than relying on “one-size-fits” all treatment that may fall short, especially in complex cases.
Our individualized treatment plans are also integrative, reflecting a whole-body approach that considers both brain and physical health, usually combining multiple approaches that include the following:
This is a different approach from the traditional model, which tends to focus on crisis management with little follow up. Once a patient is stabilized, our care time at Amen Clinics conducts a deep investigation into the root causes to support overall mental wellness and help reduce the likelihood of a future crisis.
After a mental health crisis, the process of recovery focuses on restoring stability while building a stronger foundation that supports long-term wellness. With effective support, many individuals are able to regain clarity, control, and direction.
Follow-up care is a crucial first step after a crisis. It’s important to have regular check-in appointments with a qualified mental health professional to monitor progress, adjust treatment, if necessary, as well as lower the risk of getting into another crisis. A thoughtful review is important when medication is part of the care plan. Medication needs to be accurately tailored to the needs of the individual.
For individuals impacted by past experiences, trauma-focused therapy can be effective in helping process unresolved stressors that may be contributing to emotional overwhelm. Additionally, stabilizing daily routines like improving stress management, nutrition, and sleep can help optimize areas of brain function impacted by trauma.
Healing may also include social or family support. Educating loved ones to build a dependable support system can reduce isolation, improve communication, and strengthen resilience.
Recovery is possible. The right intervention supports the whole person, which includes brain and body function, emotional well-being, building healthy social connections, and finding meaning in life. When care is consistent and personalized, many people are able to move beyond crisis toward lasting stability and better quality of life.
Not all mental health concerns are emergencies, but some patterns signal that there is a need for professional evaluation before symptoms worsen. Seeking professional support early is key.
If you or your loved one is experiencing the following, it may be time to get a comprehensive evaluation from a qualified mental health provider:
Early intervention helps providers identify the root causes of mental health symptoms sooner. When addressed promptly, treatment can improve outcomes and, in some cases, prevent a crisis altogether.
There is no single cause of a mental health crisis. Similar symptoms, such as depression, anxiety, or impulsivity, can stem from very different underlying factors. That’s why a one-size-fits-all approach does not always lead to lasting results.
Brain imaging research shows that distinct patterns of brain activity are linked to different symptom clusters. This helps explain why two people with similar experiences may respond very differently to the same treatment.
In many cases, biological factors also play a role. Past head injuries, hormonal imbalances, genetics, inflammation, and other medical conditions can all influence brain function and contribute to a crisis.
Because of this complexity, personalized care is essential. When treatment takes into account a person’s brain function, biology, history, and lifestyle, it allows for more targeted support and better long-term outcomes.
A mental health crisis is serious, but with the right care and support, it is treatable. In the moment, the priority is always safety, ensuring the person is protected and stabilized.
But that is only the first step. Lasting recovery requires action after the crisis has passed. It involves understanding the factors that contributed to it, whether psychological, biological, or lifestyle-related, so care can be more targeted and effective.
The good news is that healing is possible. With a thoughtful, comprehensive approach, you or a loved one can improve brain health and build lasting mental well-being.
A mental health crisis is a situation in which an individual’s psychological or emotional state poses an immediate risk to them or to others. It is a situation that severely affects someone’s ability to function. It usually requires urgent support to ensure safety and stability.
A mental health crisis involves instability or overwhelming distress that needs immediate intervention. It may include severe mood episodes, suicidal thoughts, psychosis, or an inability to take care of oneself.
A panic attack isn’t always a mental health crisis; however, it can feel overwhelming or intense. It can be considered a crisis if the symptoms are persistent, severe or can impair a person’s ability to function or stay safe.
Call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) when an individual is experiencing a suicidal crisis, substance use crisis, or severe emotional distress. It’s also critical to call if a person’s emotional or psychological state poses an immediate risk to themselves or others.
Trained counselors are available 24/7 to offer immediate support and guide you on the next steps.
Yes. with the right support and treatment, recovery is possible. With therapy, follow-up care and attention to the underlying causes, many people regain stability and improve their overall mental wellness.
Mental health crises and other mental health conditions can’t wait. At Amen Clinics, we practice precision medicine—using brain SPECT imaging and comprehensive evaluations to understand what’s really happening in your brain, not just your symptoms.
Our whole-body approach to holistic psychiatry combines cutting-edge neuroscience with natural ways to treat mental health conditions, including targeted nutrition, supplements, lifestyle strategies, therapy, and medications (when necessary). Every treatment plan is personalized to address the root causes of your struggles and support the health of your brain, body, and mind.
Don’t settle for guesswork. You deserve answers—and a plan built specifically for you. Speak with a Brain Health Advisor today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page to get started.
About the Reviewer
Kandace Licciardi, MD, Medical Director, Amen Clinics
Dr. Kandace Licciardi is a double board-certified psychiatrist in adult and forensic psychiatry and serves as Medical Director of Amen Clinics. She takes a comprehensive, whole-person approach to care, integrating evidence-based psychiatric treatment with lifestyle, social, and wellness factors. Dr. Licciardi has extensive experience treating depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, psychotic disorders, and borderline personality disorder, with special expertise in early psychosis intervention. She completed her psychiatry residency at Maimonides Medical Center and her forensic psychiatry fellowship at New York University.
Menefee, D. S., Ledoux, T., & Johnston, C. A. (2022). The importance of emotional regulation in mental health. American journal of lifestyle medicine, 16(1), 28-31. doi: 10.1177/15598276211049771
Drevets, W. C., Price, J. L., & Furey, M. L. (2008). Brain structural and functional abnormalities in mood disorders: implications for neurocircuitry models of depression. Brain structure and function, 213(1), 93-118. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00429-008-0189-x
StatPearls Publishing. (2023). Crisis intervention. In StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing. NCBI Bookshelf page
TL;DR:
Autism does not have one single cause. Current research suggests it develops from a combination of genetic influences and environmental factors that affect early brain development. Some prenatal and medical factors may increase risk, but no single factor explains every case. Autism is not caused by parenting, discipline, or character flaws. Because autism affects each person differently, personalized evaluation and support are essential. At Amen Clinics, brain SPECT imaging and comprehensive assessments help uncover underlying brain patterns and co-occurring issues to guide more individualized care.
Medically reviewed by Kandace Licciardi, MD, Medical Director, Amen Clinics
Many parents and caregivers want a simple answer to what causes autism. The truth is more complicated. Autism is not caused by one thing, and for many families, there is no single explanation that fully accounts for why a child is on the spectrum.
Researchers do not know one single cause of autism. Current evidence suggests autism is linked to a mix of genetic factors and environmental influences that affect early brain development. Some risk factors begin before birth, but risk factors are not the same as direct causes, and in many cases, no single cause can be identified.
Instead of looking for one answer, experts encourage a broader understanding of how different factors may work together to influence brain development. This perspective helps reduce blame and supports a more balanced, science-based view of autism.
This article explores what current research says about the cause of autism, what may increase risk during pregnancy or early development, what assumptions are not helpful, and how Amen Clinics takes a different, brain-focused approach to understanding and supporting individuals with autism.
Researchers do not know one single cause of autism. Current evidence suggests autism is linked to a mix of genetic factors and environmental influences that affect early brain development.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or autism is a developmental condition affecting social interaction, behavior, and communication. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that the autism diagnosis rates are increasing, with recent estimates indicating that about 1 in 36 children are identified on the spectrum.
Researchers do not know the exact cause of autism. Major medical sources suggest that autism likely develops from a combination of genetic influences and environmental factors that affect early brain development, rather than from one single cause.
Autism is a developmental condition that involves differences in how the brain develops and functions. Because of this, the idea of a single “cause” is often too simple to explain a condition that is highly complex and varies widely from person to person.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that there is no one factor that explains every case of autism. Instead, different combinations of influences may play a role in each individual. This is why autism is considered a spectrum condition, with diverse presentations and needs.
Autism is best understood as a complex developmental condition with multiple possible contributing factors, rather than a single-cause condition.
Related: The Many Faces of Autism
Autism in children is not thought to come from one single cause. Research suggests that a child’s genes and aspects of their early environment may affect development in ways that increase the likelihood of autism. Some children also have known genetic conditions linked with autism.
Autism begins very early in development, even if signs and symptoms are only noticed later in childhood. For this reason, the question of “what causes autism in children” is really about how early brain development unfolds before and shortly after birth.
It is important to be clear that autism is not caused by parenting style, lack of discipline, or a child’s behavior or character. These are outdated misconceptions that are not supported by scientific evidence.
Symptoms of autism often appear within the first two years of life, even though a formal diagnosis may come later. These early signs reflect differences in developmental pathways rather than something that develops after birth.
Genetic factors are strongly involved in autism, although there is no single gene responsible in every case. Many different genes may contribute, and the genetic picture can vary widely from child to child.
Researchers are still studying how prenatal and early-life factors may interact with genetic susceptibility. These influences do not act alone but may contribute in combination with underlying genetic factors.
Related: 5 Foods That Can Make Autism Worse
Researchers do not point to one single pregnancy-related cause of autism. Instead, studies suggest that some prenatal factors may be associated with a higher likelihood of autism in certain children, especially when combined with genetic susceptibility. These are risk factors, not guarantees, and should not be seen as direct causes.
During pregnancy, autism is understood as the result of complex interactions between genes and early development rather than a single cause-and-effect event. Experts have found associations but not causes.
Having older parents and having very low birth weight are two factors associated with increased likelihood of ASD, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).
Studies from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) say genes and environment may interact, and note that certain experiences, such as infection or chemical exposures, may matter in genetically susceptible individuals.
It is important to emphasize that association does not mean certainty. Most pregnancies with these risk factors do not result in autism, and many children with autism do not have a clearly identifiable prenatal cause.
Some children may already have genetic differences that influence early brain development and increase sensitivity to other influences.
Experts have linked factors such as older parental age and certain pregnancy or birth-related conditions with a higher likelihood of autism in some studies.
Having a possible risk factor does not mean autism will occur, and many cases of autism cannot be traced to a single prenatal event or exposure.
Genetics appear to be one of the strongest contributors to autism risk. NIH-funded research reported by the NICHD estimates that inherited genetic factors may account for a large proportion of autism risk in some study populations, although this does not mean genes alone explain every case of autism.
Some individuals with autism have identifiable genetic differences, including known genetic conditions that are also associated with developmental and medical differences. The CDC notes that autism can occur alongside specific genetic conditions in some people.
In addition, the NIMH identifies having a sibling with autism spectrum disorder and having certain genetic conditions as factors associated with an increased likelihood of ASD. While genetics play a significant role, autism is not caused by a single “autism gene.” Instead, many different genes may be involved, often interacting in complex ways that influence early brain development.
Genes matter a great deal in autism, but autism cannot be explained by one specific gene or a single genetic cause.
Researchers are still trying to understand how prenatal and environmental factors might shape early brain development in regards to autism, particularly in children who already have some genetic vulnerability. The NICHD describes this as gene-environment interaction, where inherited traits and early life influences may work together rather than acting as a single cause.
Certain factors have been associated with a higher likelihood of autism, but they are not direct causes.
For example, older parental age is associated with a higher risk of autism. A 2020 study in Autism Research found that women over 35 have a roughly 30 to 40 percent higher risk of having a child with ASD compared to younger mothers, with the risk increasing further for women over 40. Still, the overwhelming majority of children born to mothers over 35 do not develop autism, with prevalence remaining under 2 percent, even for mothers up to age 45.
Other associations with higher risk of autism include very low birth weight, and certain genetic conditions.
Many children who are exposed to these factors do not develop autism, and many individuals with autism do not have any clear prenatal or environmental explanation. This reflects how varied autism can be from one person to another.
Taken together, prenatal and environmental factors are better understood as possible influences that may increase risk alongside genetics, not as clear-cut causes.
When discussing the causes of autism, simple explanations may be misleading. Autism is a complex condition, so describing it as having one cause or a simple cause-and-effect link does not match what current research indicates. It’s misleading to point to one study as the final answer as research is still ongoing.
It’s important to be mindful about how you frame conversations around autism. There’s too much room for blame and/or shame. Autism is not caused by discipline, personal choices, or parenting. Suggesting this can unfairly place blame on families, and there is no evidence to support that view.
Assuming that every child with autism has the same cause is unhelpful and inaccurate. Autism may look different from one person to another, and the influencing factors are not always the same. Breaking it down to a single explanation, like a “chemical imbalance,” makes a complex condition seem much simpler than it is.
Balanced and clear information matters a lot. Mental health and developmental conditions are not character flaws, and families deserve a better understanding that informs them without adding blame or fear.
Autism is defined as a spectrum mainly because it affects individuals in different ways. Some people can struggle with social situations, but they have strong communication skills, while others might need a lot of support in their daily life.
The NIMH reports that autism may affect how individuals communicate, behave, learn, and interact, but the way the condition impact’s any one individual’s thinking and behavior is entirely unique.
Because of this variation, there isn’t one standard or typical way autism appears. Each individual can show a different mix of support needs, challenges, and strengths. Two people with the same diagnosis but may have different experiences in how autism manifests in their life journey.
Our work at Amen Clinics has made clear that autism is not just one thing and that different patterns of brain dysfunction may be involved. There’s not just one but multiple suspected factors that can influence abnormal brain function in ASD.
Different symptom clusters may reflect different underlying brain patterns, which is one reason personalized evaluation matters.
An adult or child with ASD can frequently have other developmental, mental health, or medical conditions that affect how they function daily. At times, they may overlap with or worsen autism-related behaviors, making things more complicated.
Individuals with autism spectrum disorder can also experience disorders such as anxiety, ADHD, sleep disturbance, depression, gastrointestinal issues, or depression. These co-occurring problems may significantly affect learning, mood, overall well-being, and behavior.
Due to this overlap, it is very important to recognize that symptoms are not always caused by autism alone. Ruling out or identifying underlying factors may help create a clearer understanding of what drives some behaviors or difficulties. This helps to ensure more accurate support and intervention that are better suited to the individual.
ADHD and learning difficulties commonly occur alongside autism, and they may influence attention, focus, and school performance.
Sleep disturbances, digestive problems, or other medical concerns may impact energy levels, behavior, and emotional regulation.
Anxiety and depression may also be present and add to the complexity of symptoms. They should be carefully considered and addressed.
These co-occurring conditions can overlap with or intensify autism-related traits, making it more challenging to understand the full picture and identify the most effective support strategies.
Traditional approaches to autism often focus mainly on observable behaviors and may rely on brief evaluations or symptom-based treatment plans. While these methods can be helpful, they may not always explore deeper biological or neurological factors that could be contributing to a person’s challenges.
At Amen Clinics, the approach is different. Care is centered on a “brain health first” philosophy, with an emphasis on understanding underlying brain function and identifying possible root causes rather than focusing only on symptoms.
We use brain SPECT imaging as part of our comprehensive evaluation process to help identify what is happening in the brain. Because autism is complex and can appear very differently from one person to another, SPECT imaging can provide insights that go beyond surface-level symptoms by revealing underlying patterns of brain dysfunction that may be contributing to specific behavioral, emotional, cognitive, or social challenges.
SPECT can also help identify co-occurring conditions, such as ADHD, anxiety, mood disorders, or sleep problems, that may overlap with or intensify autism-related symptoms. This allows our clinicians to develop more accurate diagnoses and more targeted, personalized treatment plans. Rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach, brain imaging helps guide precision medicine strategies designed to support healthier brain function and improve overall quality of life.
Our whole-body approach to holistic psychiatry combines cutting-edge neuroscience with natural ways to treat mental health conditions. Treatment plans may include targeted nutrition, supplements, lifestyle strategies, therapy, and medications when necessary.
We believe brain function can improve with the right, individualized interventions, which helps to better manage ASD.
Unlike an MRI or CT scan, which focus on brain structure, SPECT brain scans show how the brain is working by measuring blood flow and activity across different regions of the brain.
As mentioned, SPECT is used as part of a comprehensive evaluation, not as a stand-alone test for diagnosing autism. The data collected in a SPECT scan can sometimes give extra clues about how different areas of the brain are functioning, especially when there are other challenges like ADHD, anxiety, or mood symptoms happening at the same time.
Over time, clinicians have seen that people with autism don’t all show the same brain activity patterns. This is one of the reasons autism is understood as a spectrum, with a lot of variation from person to person.
The scan is used alongside other clinical information and a large database of previous cases to help guide more personalized treatment decisions. The idea is to better understand what is going on in that individual’s brain, so support can be more targeted.
SPECT doesn’t replace a full clinical evaluation — it simply adds another piece to the overall picture.
Occasionally, worries appear in your life that don’t go away. You may notice your child starting to have difficulties with learning, communication, or behavior that become clearer with time. In some situations, parents can feel that certain expected developmental milestones are not happening or are being missed.
Things may feel more confusing when there are other problems happening simultaneously, like sleep issues, anxiety, ADHD, and medical concerns. And when symptoms occur together in this way, it is not easy to tell what’s causing each factor.
If basic strategies at home or support at school are not making a difference, and if worries keep increasing, then it may be time to seek professional evaluation. Studies also state that early support can improve development in children with autism. This is why it’s very important not to wait if concerns persist.
A thoughtful evaluation can help clarify whether autism, a co-occurring condition, or another medical issue may be contributing to the challenges you are seeing.
ASD: Many Influences, No Single Cause
Autism does not have one simple cause. Current research points to a mix of genetic influences and environmental factors that shape early brain development. Some risks may begin before birth, but this does not mean autism can be traced to one factor or explained by a single cause.
Rather than focusing only on what caused autism, it can be more helpful to understand the individual person. This includes recognizing their strengths, identifying any co-occurring challenges, and finding the kind of support that fits their specific needs.
If you are trying to better understand autism and what may be affecting your child’s brain function, a comprehensive evaluation may offer clearer, more personalized answers.
Autism does not have one simple cause. Current research points to a mix of genetic influences and environmental factors that shape early brain development. Some risks may begin before birth, but this does not mean autism can be traced to one factor or explained by a single cause, and it is not something that should be blamed.
Rather than focusing only on what caused autism, it can be more helpful to understand the individual person. This includes recognizing their strengths, identifying any co-occurring challenges, and finding the kind of support that fits their specific needs.
If you are trying to better understand autism and what may be affecting brain function, a comprehensive evaluation may offer clearer, more personalized answers.
Current research suggests autism is linked to a combination of genetic influences and environmental factors that affect early brain development. There is no single known cause of autism, and the condition can look very different from one person to another. Researchers believe multiple factors may interact together rather than one specific event causing autism.
Some prenatal and environmental factors have been associated with a higher likelihood of autism in certain children, especially when genetic susceptibility is present. These may include older parental age, very low birth weight, or certain pregnancy-related complications. However, these are considered risk factors, not direct causes. Most children exposed to these factors do not develop autism.
Many individuals with autism also experience conditions such as ADHD, anxiety, sleep problems, gastrointestinal issues, or learning difficulties. These co-occurring concerns can overlap with or intensify autism-related symptoms, making daily functioning more challenging. Identifying these issues can help create a more accurate understanding of a person’s needs and lead to more personalized support and treatment strategies.
Autism spectrum disorder and other mental health conditions can’t wait. At Amen Clinics, we practice precision medicine—using brain SPECT imaging and comprehensive evaluations to understand what’s really happening in your brain, not just your symptoms.
Our whole-body approach to holistic psychiatry combines cutting-edge neuroscience with natural ways to treat mental health conditions, including targeted nutrition, supplements, lifestyle strategies, therapy, and medications (when necessary). Every treatment plan is personalized to address the root causes of your struggles and support the health of your brain, body, and mind.
Don’t settle for guesswork. You deserve answers—and a plan built specifically for you. Speak with a Brain Health Advisor today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page to get started.
About the Reviewer
Kandace Licciardi, MD, Medical Director, Amen Clinics
Dr. Kandace Licciardi is a double board-certified psychiatrist in adult and forensic psychiatry and serves as Medical Director of Amen Clinics. She takes a comprehensive, whole-person approach to care, integrating evidence-based psychiatric treatment with lifestyle, social, and wellness factors. Dr. Licciardi has extensive experience treating depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, psychotic disorders, and borderline personality disorder, with special expertise in early psychosis intervention. She completed her psychiatry residency at Maimonides Medical Center and her forensic psychiatry fellowship at New York University.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2025, May 27). Data and statistics on autism spectrum disorder.https://www.cdc.gov/autism/data-research/index.html
World Health Organization. (2023, November 15). Autism spectrum disorders.https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/autism-spectrum-disorders
Karimi, P., Kamali, E., Mousavi, S. M., & Karahmadi, M. (2017). Environmental factors influencing the risk of autism. Journal of Research in Medical Sciences, 22, 27. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5377970/
Gardener, H., Spiegelman, D., & Buka, S. L. (2009). Prenatal risk factors for autism: Comprehensivemeta-analysis. The British journal of psychiatry, 195(1), 7-14. doi: 10.1192/bjp.bp.108.051672
National Institute of Mental Health. (2025). Autism spectrum disorder. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/autism-spectrum-disorder
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. (2017). What causes autism spectrum disorder? U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/autism/conditioninfo/causes
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. (2019, August 1). Researchers identify genetic influences on autism risk. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.nichd.nih.gov/newsroom/news/080119-autism
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, April 15). Autism spectrum disorder (ASD). https://www.cdc.gov/autism/about/index.html
National Institute of Mental Health. (2025). Autism spectrum disorder. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/autism-spectrum-disorder
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. (2024). Autism spectrum disorder. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/factsheets/autism
National Institute of Mental Health. (2024). Autism spectrum disorder (ASD). U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/autism-spectrum-disorders-asd
Lyall K, Song L, Botteron K, et al. The Association Between Parental Age and Autism-Related Outcomes in Children at High Familial Risk for Autism. Autism Res. 2020 Jun;13(6):998-1010.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2025, April 15). Accessing services for autism spectrum disorder. https://www.cdc.gov/autism/treatment/accessing-services.html
Why do some people stay mentally sharp well into their 80s and beyond, while others experience memory decline?
Scientists have been trying to answer this question for decades. A breakthrough new study published in Nature may offer an intriguing clue: the brains of older adults with exceptional memory, called superagers, continue to generate significantly more new neurons than their peers, and even much younger individuals. This discovery highlights a unique form of neurogenesis that may help explain why some brains stay resilient during aging. This discovery may actually be one of the superager brain secrets scientists have been hunting for.
Although researchers are still piecing together the full story, the findings could represent an important step toward understanding how the brain maintains cognitive health over time.
Medically reviewed by Kandace Licciardi, MD, Medical Director, Amen Clinics
A new, breakthrough study found that the brains of older adults with exceptional memory, called superagers, continue to generate significantly more new neurons than their peers, and even much younger individuals.
Superagers are individuals typically 80 years or older whose memory performance rivals people in their 50s and 60s. Structurally, their brains look younger as well with less shrinkage and fewer Alzheimer’s disease-type changes. Superagers are rare, accounting for less than 10 percent of the elderly population.
Northwestern University has been studying superagers for more than 25 years in their Northwestern University Superaging Research Program. Scientists have noted biological and behavioral differences in this group, including slower cortical thinning, greater gray matter volume, and stronger social engagement.
Superagers have better mental health, with less self-reported depression and anxiety, and fewer complaints of poor sleep than their peers, research has found.
Related: Healthy Brain at Every Age
In the study, led by scientists at University of Illinois Chicago, researchers examined post-mortem brain tissue from several groups:
The scientists focused on the hippocampus, a brain region essential for learning and memory. Using advanced genetic and molecular analysis techniques, they studied hundreds of thousands of cells from the hippocampus to understand how brain cell development differs between these groups.
One of the most striking findings involved neurogenesis.
For years, scientists debated whether the human brain continues producing new neurons during adulthood. Evidence has gradually suggested that it does, particularly in the hippocampus. This study provides new support for that idea and suggests that superagers may have a unique pattern of neurogenesis.
Researchers identified neural stem cells, neuroblasts, and immature neurons in the hippocampus. (One expert likens neural stem cells to babies, neuroblasts to teenagers, and immature neurons to near adults.) These indicate the early stages of brain cell development that eventually become mature neurons. Compared with typical aging brains, superagers showed a distinct neurogenesis profile, which the scientists described as a possible “resilience signature” in the brain.
Overall, superagers showed substantially more new neurons in their hippocampi. They had more of these immature neurons than young adults, roughly twice as many as normal adults their age, and about two and a half times more than those with Alzheimer’s disease.
In simple terms, superager brains appeared better able to generate new neurons and support their survival.
The hippocampus plays a major role in forming and storing memories.
In animal studies, newly generated neurons help integrate new information into memory circuits and support learning. When neurogenesis declines, memory function often declines as well. The new research suggests that in humans, maintaining neurogenesis may help preserve memory and cognitive abilities with age.
By contrast, the study also found that individuals with Alzheimer’s disease had fewer immature neurons, as well as disrupted neurogenesis pathways. This difference hints that the brain’s ability to generate new neurons could be an important factor in cognitive resilience.
Another key discovery involved the molecular signals that regulate neurogenesis.
The researchers examined neurogenic cells and found differences in gene activity and chromatin accessibility, which are mechanisms that control which genes turn on or off. These changes were found in two types of neurogenic cells: astrocytes and CA1 neurons.
These molecular patterns appeared to distinguish:
These findings suggest that these immature neurons have unique genetic and epigenetic characteristics that may make them resilient to aging, which may protect memory as people age.
The study does not mean scientists have discovered the secret to staying mentally young forever.
But it does suggest that ongoing neuron growth may be one important piece of the puzzle.
Understanding how the brain maintains neurogenesis could eventually lead to new strategies aimed at:
Researchers note that identifying the biological mechanisms behind this resilience could help guide future therapies designed to preserve brain function in aging populations.
Related: The 5-Minute Morning Routine to Boost Your Brain
Healthy aging is influenced by many factors, including genetics, lifestyle, brain health, and environmental exposures. There are many actions you can take to reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. This can include simple things like diet, improving social connections, and using methods to boost recollection.
This study offers an encouraging insight: some brains maintain the ability to renew themselves even in later life. If scientists can better understand how superagers’ brains achieve this, it could help unlock new ways to protect memory and cognitive function for more people as they age.
The research adds to a growing body of evidence that the brain remains more dynamic and adaptable than once believed. And that is good news for anyone interested in keeping their brain healthy for the long run!
A Superager is typically someone aged 80 or older whose memory performance is comparable to people decades younger. Researchers study them to understand why some brains resist age-related cognitive decline.
Neurogenesis is the process by which the brain produces new neurons (brain cells). In adults, this primarily occurs in the hippocampus, a region involved in memory and learning.
Although not everyone may reach superager status, research indicates that brain-healthy habits, such as staying socially connected, eating well, exercising, and keeping your mind active, can protect memory and slow cognitive decline. At Amen Clinics, we practice precision medicine, using brain SPECT imaging as part of our comprehensive evaluation to understand what is really happening in your brain. Our whole-body approach helps our clinicians develop personalized treatment plans that include natural ways to boost brain health and protect against cognitive decline, medication only when necessary, and other innovative therapies to help you strengthen your brain at any age.
Not yet. The research shows a strong association between increased neurogenesis and exceptional memory in superagers, but more studies are needed to confirm cause and effect.
The hippocampus is central to memory formation and learning. Changes in this region are commonly seen in aging and in conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.
Memory loss, dementia, and other mental health conditions can’t wait. At Amen Clinics, we practice precision medicine—using brain SPECT imaging and comprehensive evaluations to understand what’s really happening in your brain, not just your symptoms.
Our whole-body approach to holistic psychiatry combines cutting-edge neuroscience with natural ways to treat mental health conditions, including targeted nutrition, supplements, lifestyle strategies, therapy, and medications (when necessary). Every treatment plan is personalized to address the root causes of your struggles and support the health of your brain, body, and mind.
Don’t settle for guesswork. You deserve answers—and a plan built specifically for you. Speak with a Brain Health Advisor today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page to get started.
Disouky, A., Sanborn, M.A., Sabitha, K.R. et al. Human hippocampal neurogenesis in adulthood, ageing and Alzheimer’s disease. Nature (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-026-10169-4
Garo-Pascual M, Gaser C, Zhang L, Tohka J, Medina M, Strange BA. Brain structure and phenotypic profile of superagers compared with age-matched older adults: a longitudinal analysis from the Vallecas Project. Lancet Healthy Longev. 2023 Aug;4(8):e374-e385. doi: 10.1016/S2666-7568(23)00079-X. Epub 2023 Jul 13. PMID: 37454673; PMCID: PMC10397152.
Toda T, Parylak SL, Linker SB, Gage FH. The role of adult hippocampal neurogenesis in brain health and disease. Mol Psychiatry. 2019 Jan;24(1):67-87. doi: 10.1038/s41380-018-0036-2. Epub 2018 Apr 20. PMID: 29679070; PMCID: PMC6195869.
