Stroke risk increases bipolar risk

Studies have now established a link between the risk factors for stroke in elderly people and an increased risk of depression but it is not clear whether there is a link between stroke risk factors and late-onset bipolar disorder. A study of 50 people in Leicestershire compared those with early-onset (first occuring before the age of 60) and late-onset bipolar disorder to see what the differences were between the two groups. They found that both groups had similar levels of cognitive function and physical health but that the older group - even taking their increased age into account - had a higher risk of stroke suggesting that this could be an important factor in the development of bipolar disorder in later life.

Subramaniam, Hari, Dennis, Michael S. and Byrne, E. Jane - The role of vascular risk factors in late onset bipolar disorder International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry 2007, 22: 733-737