Q: Our eight-year-old son has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). We realise that we have a hard time ahead through his childhood, and he does seem to be responding to treatment. But is he bound to have problems as an adult, too, when we aren't going to be around? It worries us a lot.

A: Take some hope from a 2003 study in Norway that showed that most children with ADHD become normal adults - the problems ease as they become more mature. Even if it persists into adult life, ADHD becomes less obvious, and most people with it have normal lives. Meanwhile, take as much help as you can.

Q I'm worried that I often lose concentration, forget things and do the wrong thing. Is this the start of Alzheimer's? I'm only 60.

A: Don't worry. There are plenty of people like you who are almost certainly NOT in the early throes of some terrible disease. Studies in workplaces such as offices and factories showed that around one person in eight (13 per cent) often were forgetful, found it hard to concentrate on their work and made repeated mistakes. They haven't progressed into worse states. But if that hasn't reassured you, it is easy to find out about yourself. See your doctor, who will conduct a simple memory test, which I'm sure will reassure you.

Q I'm a woman in my fifties. Recently I've been unusually tired, sleeping badly and have been breathless while doing housework and shopping. I've also had indigestion. Is this just old age coming on, or do I need to see my doctor?

A: You definitely do need to tell your doctor about these symptoms. You may be having heart trouble, and the only way to tell is to have a check-up, which will involve an ECG and exercise and blood tests. Don't delay - you must make sure that you are not in the run-up to a heart attack, as all these symptoms are typical of impending heart trouble especially in women of your age.

  • Got a health problem? Write to Dr Tom Smith, C/O T&A, Hall Ings, Bradford BD1 1JR. Dr Tom cannot give private replies but may use your questions anonymously in this column.