Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Is the Link?ExamplesMedication and MemoryOffsetting Memory LossOutlook When ChronicDementia Prevention

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

What Is the Link?

Examples

Medication and Memory

Offsetting Memory Loss

Outlook When Chronic

Dementia Prevention

Memory problems can occur in people with bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder can impact cognitive function, particularly during mood swings. Medications for bipolar disorder may also interfere with memory.

Memory problems are often reported symptoms ofbipolar disorder.Some people with bipolar disorder report memory loss duringmanic episodesor depression or duringeuthymia(neutral mood states).

Symptom Range in Bipolar DisorderThere are three types of bipolar disorder: bipolar 1, bipolar 2, and cyclothymia. All types cause changes in mood, energy, and activity levels. In bipolar 1, moods range from extreme elevation (mania) to depression. People with bipolar disorder can have both manic and depressive symptoms in what’s called a “mixed episode.“In bipolar 2, the less severe mania is referred to as hypomania. Cyclothymia symptoms are less intense hypomania and depression that do not meet the clinical criteria for hypomania or depression.

Symptom Range in Bipolar Disorder

There are three types of bipolar disorder: bipolar 1, bipolar 2, and cyclothymia. All types cause changes in mood, energy, and activity levels. In bipolar 1, moods range from extreme elevation (mania) to depression. People with bipolar disorder can have both manic and depressive symptoms in what’s called a “mixed episode.“In bipolar 2, the less severe mania is referred to as hypomania. Cyclothymia symptoms are less intense hypomania and depression that do not meet the clinical criteria for hypomania or depression.

There are three types of bipolar disorder: bipolar 1, bipolar 2, and cyclothymia. All types cause changes in mood, energy, and activity levels. In bipolar 1, moods range from extreme elevation (mania) to depression. People with bipolar disorder can have both manic and depressive symptoms in what’s called a “mixed episode.”

In bipolar 2, the less severe mania is referred to as hypomania. Cyclothymia symptoms are less intense hypomania and depression that do not meet the clinical criteria for hypomania or depression.

During an Episode

Extreme periods of impulsivity and episodes of mania may contribute to memory problems in bipolar disorder.These problems may continue after symptoms resolve.

Manic episodes, in particular, are associated with cognitive impairments, including difficulties with attention or memory.Evidence suggests someone with bipolar disorder may have impaired memory about events that occurred while they were in a manic state.

Depressive episodes also contribute to the memory and bipolar link. Some research suggests depressive symptoms are most strongly associated with memory loss.

Examples of Memory Problems in Bipolar Disorder

Memory is complex, and so is bipolar disorder. A growing number of studies suggest memory problems with bipolar disorder persist even when symptoms are in remission.According to a 2017 study, memory problems in bipolar disorder include:

Memory differences in this study were not explicitly linked to mood episodes. The authors say their findings suggest that memory problems may be characteristic of reduced working memory capacity in mood disorders.

Memory BlackoutsMemory problems associated with manic episodes include bipolar blackouts. During a bipolar blackout, the person is conscious but unable to recall events, situations, or experiences afterward.

Memory Blackouts

Memory problems associated with manic episodes include bipolar blackouts. During a bipolar blackout, the person is conscious but unable to recall events, situations, or experiences afterward.

Some older studies suggest lithium—a medication commonly used to treat bipolar disorder—has a negative impact on memory.However, a study from 2020 suggests lithium may be beneficial for cognitive functioning in people with bipolar disorder—and it does not significantly impair cognition when used as a treatment for bipolar disorder.More, thorough research is needed to determine how bipolar medication affects medication.

How to Offset Short-Term Memory Loss

Improving cognitive and depressive symptoms of bipolar disorder may be an answer to offsetting short-term memory loss.

Some research suggests improving functioning with the following therapies:

More research is needed to understand how to offset short-term memory loss in people with bipolar disorder.

Outlook With Chronic Memory Loss

Bipolar disorder is also neuroprogressive, meaning symptoms worsen with age. However, many factors play into outlook with chronicmemory loss. These include whether the person has another psychiatric condition, particularly a diagnosed personality disorder or substance use disorder like cannabis or alcohol use disorders.

Early BD Diagnosis and Dementia Prevention

Bipolar disorder and dementia overlap. Several studies show bipolar disorder is associated with a significantly increased risk of dementia in older adults. A history of mania and hospitalization play some role in developing dementia in those with bipolar disorder.

Research has shown that later-stage brain changes and cognitive impairment are related to the number of prior hospitalizations and manic episodes.More research is needed to better understand how to reduce therisk of dementia in people with bipolar disorder.

Early diagnosis means treatment can be started, and progression to later bipolar stages can be slowed or even stopped.Some research also suggests preserving cognitive functioning early on may result in better functional outcomes (i.e., better working memory).

Summary

Memory problems can be part of living with bipolar disorder, and these may worsen with age. Reasons are complex and include the impact of bipolar disorder on cognitive functioning, the relationship between mood and memory, and role of symptom management and medication. Early diagnosis, treatment of bipolar disorder with the right medication, various therapies, lifestyle changes, and managing any co-occurring disorders can improve outlook.

12 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Soraggi-Frez C, Santos FH, Albuquerque PB, et al.Disentangling working memory functioning in mood states of bipolar disorder: A systematic review.Front Psychol. 2017;8:574. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2017.00574National Institute of Mental Health.Bipolar disorder.National Alliance on Mental Illness.What people get wrong about bipolar disorder.Belizario GO, Gigante AD, de Almeida Rocca CC, et al.Cognitive impairments and predominant polarity in bipolar disorder: a cross-sectional study.International Journal of Bipolar Disorders.2017;5(1):15. doi:10.1186/s40345-017-0085-5Bonnín CDM, Reinares M, Martínez-Arán A, et al.Improving functioning, quality of life, and well-being in patients with bipolar disorder.The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology. 2019;22(8):467–477. doi:10.1093/ijnp/pyz018Vrabie M, Marinescu V, Talaşman A, et al.Cognitive impairment in manic bipolar patients: Important, understated, significant aspects.Ann Gen Psychiatry. 2015;14:41. doi:10.1186/s12991-015-0080-0. doi:10.1186/s12991-015-0080-0National Alliance on Mental Illness.What people get wrong about bipolar disorder.Forester BP, Streeter CC, Berlow YA, et al.Brain lithium levels and effects on cognition and mood in geriatric bipolar disorder: A lithium-7 magnetic resonance spectroscopy study.Am J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2009;17(1):13-23.Burdick KE, Millett CE, Russo M, et al.The association between lithium use and neurocognitive performance in patients with bipolar disorder.Neuropsychopharmacology. 2020;45(10):1743-1749. doi:10.1038/s41386-020-0683-2Muneer A.Staging models in bipolar disorder: A systematic review of the literature.Clin Psychopharmacol Neurosci. 2016;14(2):117-30. doi:10.9758/cpn.2016.14.2.117.Diniz BS, Teixeira AL, Cao F, et al.History of bipolar disorder and the risk of dementia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Am J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2017;25(4):357-362. doi:10.1016/j.jagp.2016.11.014Cao B, Passos IC, Mwangi B, et al.Hippocampal volume and verbal memory performance in late-stage bipolar disorder.Journal of psychiatric research. 2016;73: 102–107. doi:10.1016/j.jpsychires.2015.12.012

12 Sources

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Soraggi-Frez C, Santos FH, Albuquerque PB, et al.Disentangling working memory functioning in mood states of bipolar disorder: A systematic review.Front Psychol. 2017;8:574. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2017.00574National Institute of Mental Health.Bipolar disorder.National Alliance on Mental Illness.What people get wrong about bipolar disorder.Belizario GO, Gigante AD, de Almeida Rocca CC, et al.Cognitive impairments and predominant polarity in bipolar disorder: a cross-sectional study.International Journal of Bipolar Disorders.2017;5(1):15. doi:10.1186/s40345-017-0085-5Bonnín CDM, Reinares M, Martínez-Arán A, et al.Improving functioning, quality of life, and well-being in patients with bipolar disorder.The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology. 2019;22(8):467–477. doi:10.1093/ijnp/pyz018Vrabie M, Marinescu V, Talaşman A, et al.Cognitive impairment in manic bipolar patients: Important, understated, significant aspects.Ann Gen Psychiatry. 2015;14:41. doi:10.1186/s12991-015-0080-0. doi:10.1186/s12991-015-0080-0National Alliance on Mental Illness.What people get wrong about bipolar disorder.Forester BP, Streeter CC, Berlow YA, et al.Brain lithium levels and effects on cognition and mood in geriatric bipolar disorder: A lithium-7 magnetic resonance spectroscopy study.Am J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2009;17(1):13-23.Burdick KE, Millett CE, Russo M, et al.The association between lithium use and neurocognitive performance in patients with bipolar disorder.Neuropsychopharmacology. 2020;45(10):1743-1749. doi:10.1038/s41386-020-0683-2Muneer A.Staging models in bipolar disorder: A systematic review of the literature.Clin Psychopharmacol Neurosci. 2016;14(2):117-30. doi:10.9758/cpn.2016.14.2.117.Diniz BS, Teixeira AL, Cao F, et al.History of bipolar disorder and the risk of dementia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Am J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2017;25(4):357-362. doi:10.1016/j.jagp.2016.11.014Cao B, Passos IC, Mwangi B, et al.Hippocampal volume and verbal memory performance in late-stage bipolar disorder.Journal of psychiatric research. 2016;73: 102–107. doi:10.1016/j.jpsychires.2015.12.012

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Soraggi-Frez C, Santos FH, Albuquerque PB, et al.Disentangling working memory functioning in mood states of bipolar disorder: A systematic review.Front Psychol. 2017;8:574. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2017.00574National Institute of Mental Health.Bipolar disorder.National Alliance on Mental Illness.What people get wrong about bipolar disorder.Belizario GO, Gigante AD, de Almeida Rocca CC, et al.Cognitive impairments and predominant polarity in bipolar disorder: a cross-sectional study.International Journal of Bipolar Disorders.2017;5(1):15. doi:10.1186/s40345-017-0085-5Bonnín CDM, Reinares M, Martínez-Arán A, et al.Improving functioning, quality of life, and well-being in patients with bipolar disorder.The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology. 2019;22(8):467–477. doi:10.1093/ijnp/pyz018Vrabie M, Marinescu V, Talaşman A, et al.Cognitive impairment in manic bipolar patients: Important, understated, significant aspects.Ann Gen Psychiatry. 2015;14:41. doi:10.1186/s12991-015-0080-0. doi:10.1186/s12991-015-0080-0National Alliance on Mental Illness.What people get wrong about bipolar disorder.Forester BP, Streeter CC, Berlow YA, et al.Brain lithium levels and effects on cognition and mood in geriatric bipolar disorder: A lithium-7 magnetic resonance spectroscopy study.Am J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2009;17(1):13-23.Burdick KE, Millett CE, Russo M, et al.The association between lithium use and neurocognitive performance in patients with bipolar disorder.Neuropsychopharmacology. 2020;45(10):1743-1749. doi:10.1038/s41386-020-0683-2Muneer A.Staging models in bipolar disorder: A systematic review of the literature.Clin Psychopharmacol Neurosci. 2016;14(2):117-30. doi:10.9758/cpn.2016.14.2.117.Diniz BS, Teixeira AL, Cao F, et al.History of bipolar disorder and the risk of dementia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Am J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2017;25(4):357-362. doi:10.1016/j.jagp.2016.11.014Cao B, Passos IC, Mwangi B, et al.Hippocampal volume and verbal memory performance in late-stage bipolar disorder.Journal of psychiatric research. 2016;73: 102–107. doi:10.1016/j.jpsychires.2015.12.012

Soraggi-Frez C, Santos FH, Albuquerque PB, et al.Disentangling working memory functioning in mood states of bipolar disorder: A systematic review.Front Psychol. 2017;8:574. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2017.00574

National Institute of Mental Health.Bipolar disorder.

National Alliance on Mental Illness.What people get wrong about bipolar disorder.

Belizario GO, Gigante AD, de Almeida Rocca CC, et al.Cognitive impairments and predominant polarity in bipolar disorder: a cross-sectional study.International Journal of Bipolar Disorders.2017;5(1):15. doi:10.1186/s40345-017-0085-5

Bonnín CDM, Reinares M, Martínez-Arán A, et al.Improving functioning, quality of life, and well-being in patients with bipolar disorder.The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology. 2019;22(8):467–477. doi:10.1093/ijnp/pyz018

Vrabie M, Marinescu V, Talaşman A, et al.Cognitive impairment in manic bipolar patients: Important, understated, significant aspects.Ann Gen Psychiatry. 2015;14:41. doi:10.1186/s12991-015-0080-0. doi:10.1186/s12991-015-0080-0

Forester BP, Streeter CC, Berlow YA, et al.Brain lithium levels and effects on cognition and mood in geriatric bipolar disorder: A lithium-7 magnetic resonance spectroscopy study.Am J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2009;17(1):13-23.

Burdick KE, Millett CE, Russo M, et al.The association between lithium use and neurocognitive performance in patients with bipolar disorder.Neuropsychopharmacology. 2020;45(10):1743-1749. doi:10.1038/s41386-020-0683-2

Muneer A.Staging models in bipolar disorder: A systematic review of the literature.Clin Psychopharmacol Neurosci. 2016;14(2):117-30. doi:10.9758/cpn.2016.14.2.117.

Diniz BS, Teixeira AL, Cao F, et al.History of bipolar disorder and the risk of dementia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Am J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2017;25(4):357-362. doi:10.1016/j.jagp.2016.11.014

Cao B, Passos IC, Mwangi B, et al.Hippocampal volume and verbal memory performance in late-stage bipolar disorder.Journal of psychiatric research. 2016;73: 102–107. doi:10.1016/j.jpsychires.2015.12.012

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