Bipolar Depression and Cognitive Impairment: Shared Mechanisms and New Treatment Avenues

Psychiatr Clin North Am. 2016 Mar;39(1):95-109. doi: 10.1016/j.psc.2015.09.004. Epub 2015 Dec 11.

Abstract

Depression and cognitive impairment are pervasive and highly disabling aspects of bipolar disorder. Although cognitive impairment is partially independent from mood episodes, depressive symptoms may increase the risk of cognitive impairment in bipolar disorder through inflammatory processes as well as health risks such as obesity and sedentary behavior. Novel treatment avenues at the intersection of bipolar depression and cognitive impairment target inflammation directly or indirectly health behaviors such as diet, physical activity, and sleep hygiene.

Keywords: Aging; Brain function; Health behavior; Mood disorders; Neuropsychology.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aging
  • Bipolar Disorder / complications*
  • Bipolar Disorder / drug therapy
  • Cognition Disorders / psychology*
  • Cognition Disorders / therapy
  • Exercise
  • Health Behavior
  • Humans
  • Neuropsychology