How do you handle the anxiety/depression related to the hereditary nature of Alzheimer’s?

Many people who have had a close relative diagnosed with AD wonder if they will get it. There are certain biomarkers that can raise your chances of acquiring AD. One of these biomarkers are genes. Genes are passed from parent to child. Risk genes increase the likelihood of getting a disease. The risk gene most associated with AD is APOE4. There are three variations of the APOE gene, APOE2,3, and 4. Your parents will pass one of these on to each child. There are six combinations. The -2 gene seems to reduce the chance of AD, and the -3 gene seems to have no effect.

If you receive one -4 gene, your chance of getting AD is somewhat increased over someone who doesn't have that gene. If you receive a -4 gene from each parent, your chances are greater yet. However, having one or two copies of the -4 gene does not insure you will get the disease. In fact, the disease can occur in someone who doesn't even carry the -4 gene.

There are also what are called deterministic genes. These genes, PSEN1 and 2 and the APP gene directly cause AD. These genes are responsible for early onset AD, prior to 65, which doesn't seem to run in your family.

I would talk to your doctor not only about your concern regarding AD, but also your anxiety and depression. Both of those can be treated. You could request genetic testing, but most clinicians don't recommend it. A geriatrician can help you with the pros and cons of genetic testing.

If you can get her to walk around outside. A different environment will help.

I have my father on anxiety medication. His nurologist is fantastic.

Bookworm79: Imho, as with any heredity factor, do as much research on it as you can, but try not to dwell on it, else it makes you ill.

Matthew 6:34 is “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” It is the thirty-fourth, and final, verse of the sixth chapter of the Gospel of Matthew in the New Testament and is part of the Sermon on the Mount.

You might get cancer instead or get in a car accident or get shot by a bullet that wasn't meant for you. Tomorrow is promised to no one.

A few facts may help your anxiety to subside.

Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia.
75% of people aged 75-years-old and older have some Alzheimer's dementia.
The prevalence of dementia, especially Alzheimer's dementia, rises as people age - so expect more in folks 80-90 years old.
More women than men get Alzheimer's dementia.
Some research seems to point to micro strokes as the cause of Alzheimer's dementia.
To prevent strokes:
maintain a healthy diet and weight,
get your blood pressure checked frequently,
if you have high blood pressure - take your meds.

So, your family female members having Alzheimer's dementia may be more a matter of statistics than genetics. Take care of yourself and you should live a healthier life.

There is no such thing as Alzheimer’s prevention. You may slow it down with some drugs to treat some of the symptoms, but the disease itself develops at its own pace for each individual that has it. It never gets better, and if you are struggling with anxiety and depression because of your mother and what you expect to inherit from your family, then you are not going to be any help for your mother. Not everyone is “cut out” to handle taking care of someone with Alzheimer’s and dementia, and you and your brother should determine now what both of you will do when mom becomes worse.

I’ve not had Alzheimer’s experience but can relate on a different level. My mom and her mom, and possibly more prior to them, each died after a series of strokes. With my mom it was a horrific, long nightmare. So I have definitely had the feeling of having a target on me for repeating the strokes. I’ve spoken with more than one doctor about it and gotten advice on doing all within my power to avoid it. I’m taking those steps as well as trying to enjoy daily life and not emphasize the tomorrows that I have no control over. I hope you’ll take steps to both avoid the Alzheimer’s fate and to not spend the one life worrying over something you can’t control or change. I wish you peace

I'm not in your situation, and I've very sorry that you are suffering mentally and emotionally. Have you considered genetic testing so that you can know? If you're experiencing anxiety, which may increase as you age, and it turns out you don't have the gene, it would be worth it. You may want to consider joining a research study since they sometimes do the testing as part of the research. If it turns out you do have the gene at least you can get appropriate counseling, plan more specifically, and consider whether taking whatever prescription medication for ALZ is currently available would be beneficial, since taking it early on is when it works the best. Science is making strides every year and you have a much higher chance of living in the era when a cure a treatment or cure is found than your other family members. May you receive peace in your heart.

"Genetic tests are available for both APOE-e4 and the rare genes that directly cause Alzheimer's. In addition, testing for APOE-e4 is sometimes included as a part of research studies."

Source: https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-alzheimers/causes-and-risk-factors/genetics

Have you come across the work of Dr. Dale Bredesen? He is a neurologist who had written a couple of books, including The End of Alzheimer’s. You can also find interviews of him discussing his work and theories on YouTube (he has a Ted Talk for instance) and on various podcasts.

No guarantees of course but I think there is some hope on the horizon if you look for it.