Why Memory Impairment Happens in Bipolar Disorder — and How to Manage It

“The resulting inattention and short-term memory impairment can interfere with just about every aspect of a person’s daily life,” says Zishan Khan, MD, a psychiatrist with Mindpath Health in Dallas, who treats people with bipolar disorder and related mood disorders.

Even if you’re already experiencing the effects of memory impairment, don’t despair. It turns out there are a few simple steps you can take to address it, and in doing so improve other aspects of life with bipolar disorder.

What Causes Memory Problems in Bipolar Disorder?

“Brain imaging shows numerous differences between those with bipolar disorder and those without, including reductions in the hippocampus, [a part of the brain involved in] learning and forming new memories,” says Christina Lee, MD, a psychiatrist at Kaiser Permanente in White Marsh, Maryland, who treats people with bipolar disorder and related conditions.

Memory problems also tend to occur or worsen during mood episodes, says Dr. Khan. For instance, during a depressive episode, “people often find it hard to concentrate, and as a result, they can’t encode and store new information as easily because of weakened connectivity between neurons,” he says.

Other factors that can play a role in memory loss, says Dr. Lee, are:

• Co-occurring conditions, such as anxiety or alcohol use disorder (AUD) Anxiety can lead to confusion, forgetfulness, and difficulty concentrating, while AUD is associated with cognitive and memory loss.

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• Medications Brain fog and memory problems are potential side effects of certain bipolar medications, such as lithium.
• Genetics Memory problems may run in some families.

Possible Consequences of Memory Loss

Both short-term memory loss (forgetting things you’ve recently seen, heard, or done) and long-term memory loss (forgetting things you’ve stored long term) can pose particular difficulties for people with bipolar disorder.

For example, short-term memory loss may make it hard to recall what you said or did that affected loved ones during a recent mood episode, says Khan. In turn, that “not knowing” may negatively affect those relationships.

Long-term memory loss may, for example, affect employment, Khan says, by making it difficult to function effectively at work because you can’t remember how to perform certain tasks associated with the role or roles you play.

What People With Bipolar Disorder Can Do to Manage Memory Loss

On the bright side, there are ways you can manage memory issues associated with bipolar disorder and lessen their effects on your life.

1. Tell Your Doctors if You’re Experiencing Medication Side Effects

If you feel as if the side effects of your medications are interfering with your ability to think clearly and concentrate, don’t hesitate to tell your doctor. “Not only can certain medications used to treat bipolar disorder further worsen memory impairment or lead to confusion and cloudiness in thought, but the more side effects and discomfort a person experiences from taking medication, the less likely they are to be consistent with their regimen,” Khan says.

Your doctor may adjust the dose to lessen your side effects, or they may switch you to another drug with potentially fewer side effects.

2. Begin (or Resume) a Daily Exercise Routine

Along with regular exercise, getting adequate sleep, eating well, and practicing stress-reducing techniques like mindfulness meditation should be key parts of your mood and memory stabilizing routine, says Lee.

3. Steer Clear of Recreational Drugs and Alcohol