Expert: Ivan Goldberg, M.D. - 7/10/2007

Question
My dad has been taking lithim for his bipolar disorder since he was 25 and is now 62.  He has been diagnosed with Alzhiemers( 2nd stage).  I have been reading about Lithim toxicity and is sounds like this is a possibility instead.  He symptoms are loss of bowel and cant control urine. Also shaking and memory loss.  These symptoms have recently started over the last 6 months.  Please give me your thoughts.  Thank you.

Answer
Hi, Doris . . .

The symptoms of dementia can originate in many ways. While it is possible that lithium may be responsible for them, it is unlikely that this would happen at low or average lithium blood levels. It is also possible that your father has Alzheimer's or some other dementing process and that lithium is making it worse.

Your father should be worked-up by a team consisting of a neurologist experienced in the diagnosis of individuals with dementia, a geriatric psychiatrist, and an experienced psychopharmacologist.

Best regards . . .
Ivan
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