Bipolar disorder affects an approximate 5.7 million American adults in a given year, according the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Dementia is just as prevalent, as reported by the journal Alzheimer's & Dementia, affecting 8.7 percent of those age 70 or older in the United States.

Bipolar Disorder

A mental disorder characterized by extreme emotional highs and lows, bipolar disorder is comprised of "mood episodes." Manic episodes cause a person to feel euphoric, invincible, easily irritated, restless or impulsive. Depressive episodes are comprised of a loss of interest in enjoyable activities, feelings of worry or emptiness, fatigue, loss of concentration, change in weight and eating patterns.

Dementia

Dementia isn't actually a disease; it is a term for a collection of symptoms that are caused by various brain disorders such as Alzheimer's, Huntington's and Creutzfeldt-Jakob (human form of mad cow disease). This collection of symptoms includes memory loss, inability to solve problems, loss of control of emotions, behavioral changes, hallucinations, delusions and personality changes.

Similarities

Both conditions can affect a person's ability to function within their daily lives. Severe manic episodes can cause hallucinations and a loss of touch with reality which are also symptoms of dementia. Behavioral problems, personality changes and agitation are also shared symptoms.

Differences

Despite some similarities, these conditions are two very different things. Dementia is a term for a collection of symptoms whereas bipolar disorder is a specific mental illness which causes symptoms. Bipolar disorder often appears in a person's early 20s whereas dementia is most often seen in those 65 or older. All forms of bipolar disorder are treatable (though not curable) but some forms of dementia are not treatable; at best these forms will have their symptoms slowed but not halted.

Treatments

According to the Mayo Clinic, some causes of dementia are completely treatable and even reversible while others are fatal and have no treatments to even slow the process. The NIMH reports that bipolar disorder is, on the other hand, treatable at all levels and manageable with professional help, but is not curable. Persons with bipolar disorder must maintain treatment regularly throughout their lives to achieve the best results. In both cases, early diagnosis and treatment is the best course of action. See Resources to find help with getting support or treatment for any mental illness.

Source:

National Institute of Mental Healthy

The Mayo Clinic

Alzheimer's & Dementia Journal

More Information:

Mental Help Net