Bipolar Disorder Raises the Risk of Dementia. But There Is Hope
Research says that having bipolar disorder increases the risk of dementia almost three times. However, lithium can make a difference.
Bipolar Disorder and Dementia Go Hand in Hand
Bipolar disorder manifests as mood swings and causes structural changes in the brain. For example, this disorder affects the hippocampus, a brain region responsible for memory. The same is true in dementia.
Researchers conducted a meta-analysis of ten studies. Results showed that the more mood episodes a person has, the higher their risk of dementia. This risk is even higher than in people with major depression.
Lithium as Neuroprotector
A meta-analysis of another five studies gave promising results. Lithium treatment decreased the risk for dementia by 49% in individuals with bipolar disorder.
Other studies suggest that lithium may also reverse brain damage caused by dementia and restore the hippocampus to normal size.
If you don’t have a diagnosis but are interested in over-the-counter options, read about lithium ascorbate here.