Bipolar disorder and risk of all-cause and specific dementia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

What was studied

This review pooled studies on bipolar disorder and later dementia. It looked at any dementia, Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia. It used cohort and case-control studies. Together they covered 1,536,508 people. The team also checked why results differed.

What they found

Bipolar disorder was linked to a higher risk of any dementia. The risk ratio was 3.55. For Alzheimer's disease it was 5.08. For vascular dementia it was 4.33. The first and last of these held up in extra checks. The Alzheimer's result did not hold up when single studies were left out. The link was seen in all subgroups examined. No clear difference by sex or by age at onset was found.

What it means for patients

The authors say bipolar disorder goes with a higher risk of dementia. This holds for any dementia, Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia. They say the pooled numbers need careful reading.

Why it is not certain yet

The studies varied a lot. Data on each type is limited. The Alzheimer's number is the least steady. These studies show links, not causes. The authors want more high-quality studies that follow people over time.

Source

Bipolar disorder and risk of all-cause and specific dementia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

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