My Alzheimer's Journey

Part 15 - Depression

As we continue unpacking and settling into our Chapel Hill home, I am struggling with depression and anxiety. For nearly thirty years, I have been treated for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). For the most part, my depression has been successfully managed by drug therapy and lifestyle considerations. My current depression is different, though.

I am extremely frustrated and sad. I have feelings of hopelessness. Likewise, I am often apathetic. Motivation to do simply tasks is missing. I have a lack of energy. I am fatigued and I struggle to concentrate on simple tasks. My sleep patterns suck.

I read a Johns Hopkins Medicine article this morning about depression, anxiety, and sleep disruptions. The article states, “Between 40 and 50 percent of people with Alzheimer’s experience depression.” This is compared with about 7 percent of the general population experiencing depression. That difference is huge.

I recently visited my Primary Care Physician, Dr. William Clare in Beaufort, South Carolina. He modified my anti-depression medication as part of an overall plan to help me manage my depression and anxiety. Other elements of Dr. Clare’s plan include daily exercise, diet changes, joining a Duke Support Group, reducing stress, and writing this blog.

My support system certainly helps me cope. Linda, our cats, friends, and our great business manager all contribute to the plan Dr. Clare prescribed. Slowly, I am adjusting to this new normal.

For others suffering from this horrible disease, and their caregivers, I strongly encourage you to create a similar plan to fight depression and anxiety. There doesn’t seem to be any one thing that can magically manage Alzheimer’s related depression. It takes a multi-prong approach.

I have my first infusion Tuesday, October 14. I hope getting the first one behind me will help reduce my anxiety. Then again, the risks associated with lecanemab will always be there. And, I will always be anxious and scared shitless.