Bipolar disorder: Clinical perspectives and implications with cognitive dysfunction and dementia

• Type: Another Publication in an International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2012

Authors

Lopes, R (Author) Other; Lia Fernandes (Author) FMUP

Journal

Title: Depression Research and Treatment

Vol. 2012

Pages: 1-11

ISSN: 2090-1321

Publisher: Hindawi

Indexing

Scopus - 23 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-008-9C4

DOI: 10.1155/2012/275957

Abstract (EN): Introduction. Cognitive dysfunction as a core feature in the course of bipolar affective disorder (BPD) is a current subject of debate and represents an important source of psychosocial and functional burden. Objectives. To stand out the connection and clinical implications between cognitive dysfunction, dementia, and BPD. Methods. A nonsystematic review of all English language PubMed articles published between 1995 and 2011 using the terms "bipolar disorder," "cognitive dysfunction," and "dementia". Discussion. As a manifestation of an affective trait or stage, both in the acute phases and in remission, the domains affected include attention, executive function, and verbal memory. The likely evolution or overlap with the behavioural symptoms of an organic dementia allows it to be considered as a dementia specific to BPD. This is named by some authors, as BPD type VI, but others consider it a form of frontotemporal dementia. It is still not known if this process is neurodevelopmental or neurodegenerative in nature, or both simultaneously. The assessment should consider the iatrogenic effects of medication, the affective symptoms, and a neurocognitive evaluation. Conclusion. More specific neuropsychological tests and functional imaging studies are needed and will assume an important role in the near future for diagnosis and treatment. © 2012 R. Lopes and L. Fernandes.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific