Posted by linkadge on August 4, 2022, at 17:25:04
In reply to Re: Retrying escitalopram, posted by SLS on August 4, 2022, at 13:04:02
I am sorry to hear about your mother. Unfortunately, my mother too has been recently diagnosed with either Alzheimer's (or severe dementia). It came on fairly rapidly (within the last 2 years). She is currently at a CAMH (Canadian Association of Mental Health) facility and getting good care. She is only 73. She has battled bipolar (with moderate success) for close to 40 years. She had some scans that showed severe atrophy in cortical and cerebellar regions.
As you mention there is a growing understanding of the links between mental illness and neurodegenerative diseases. My hunch is that inflammation plays a role. Some psych meds may reduce the risks, but others may make it worse.
I am personally concerned about the growing apathy I have been experiencing over the past 2 years (as this can be a prodromal symptom that can precede dementia by decades). I have also been experiencing RBD (rem sleep behavioral disorder) which is another flag.
I have kept lithium on board for this, but I have also been pursuing natural MAO-B inhibitors as they do seem to reduce the anhedonia. I also take co-q10, ginger root and a few others in hopes of reducing risks. I also exercise. But, alas many days it feels like I am losing the battle anyway.
Linkadge
poster:linkadge
thread:1120203
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20220530/msgs/1120212.html