Normotim: Brain and focus supplement
BUY NOWBipolar 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.