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Does bipolar disorder change as people age?

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Bipolar Disorder
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Posted 4/4/2010 3:52 AM (GMT 0)
Hi there,

My dad, who is 62 years old. Has bipolar disorder. For the last year or so, my family has noticed that he is "aging" very quickly. The manic side of his illness is well controlled, but the depression is harder for him to manage. He takes Lithium.

I'm wondering how bipolar disorder affects seniors? Can it cause early Alzheimer's or dementia? He just doesn't seem "with it".

Thank you for any insight!

Ginny
Posted 4/4/2010 8:36 AM (GMT 0)

Ginny...

This isn't very scientific, but I am 62 and bi-polar most of my adult life. In the past two years I have definitely seen a change in course in my bipolar episodes, tending more towards the depressed side and I had one bout of depression that lasted 8 months.  I have more agitated depression episodes.  The manic portion is pretty much under ontrol.  My doctor says I have early dementia.  My father who was bpolar definitely had more issues with depression as he aged and he died of Alzheimers. My personal opinion is all the meds we take catches up with us as we age and manifests it in memory loss type diseases.

Posted 4/4/2010 3:09 PM (GMT 0)
i'm 24 years old and i'm bipolar and its ruining my life all i do is cry i'm always depressed and i don't want this to affect my pregnancy cause i am 4months pregnant my fieance has threatend to leave me because of the way it makes me act we have been arguing for 4days straight now he can't even sleep in the same room with me i have already put my hands on him i am afraid of hurting him let alone myself i just really need someone to talk to who can help me get through if there is anyone please cry
Posted 4/5/2010 6:15 PM (GMT 0)
Dee24
I have bipolar disorder and it affected me the same way so don't feel bad it's the horomones that are screwing with you for people with bp pregnecy is very hard because you can't take anything because everything will effect the baby hang in thier only 5 months to go if you wanna talk my e-mail is on my profile.
Posted 4/6/2010 7:44 AM (GMT 0)

Dee....

I have navigated my way ( sometimes barely) though 40+ years of bipolar disorder.  Just the other day I was ranting and raving about how sick I wasa of being bipolar and yes, many times it seems to run you life.  I would be glad to offer you some support.  I think I have been thru it all at one time or another.

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