May seem like a silly question

charley0419

GM all, I have a question that I’m pretty sure I know the answer to but my wife mentioned to friend that she’s feeling depressed, now understand my wife head spins when you mention Nurologist, so do I need to speak to Nurologist about this or if this something her primary Doctor can take care of ?????

M1

Charley her primary doc should be able to handle it. You might ask about Celexa/citalopram, as it appears to be one of the most effective SSRI antidepressants in the setting of dementia.

harshedbuzz

I would expect a competent PCP could manage this. You could lay the groundwork ahead of time (patient portal or note to doc explaining why you're there) so they could do a screening at the visit.

HB

forbarbara

not a silly question at all. Good on you for picking up on the hints.

SusanB-dil

I agree with forbarbara - That isn't a silly question at all.

Your wife is blessed to have you.

charley0419

I live this group always good advise. It’s so much better with pcp she loves him and knowns all about her, just therr yesterday wish I knew then, but I’m going to reach out to him.

ButterflyWings

Sertraline works well for my DH as the anti-depressant along with his Seroquel (for delusions and hallucinations). The combination has kept any depression and most major mood swings away.

Stan2

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/69762/may-seem-like-a-silly-question

Charley,

My wife suffered from depression for years before ALZ was diagnosed.

Depression can aggravate the cognitive effects of AlZ, and ALZ can of course aggravate the depression.

My suggestion would be to have your Primary care physician refer you to a geriatric psychiatrist who may or may not refer you to a neurologist but at any rate, can treat the depression.