A Mindful Approach to Dementia & Psychedelics: Our Shared Journey Series - Mindful Microdosing for Caregivers

Yesterday, I was interviewed—one with The Flourish Academy, now available on Spotify. The other was in preparation for the Microdosing Table Talk Podcast in March. Both started out with my main interest: supporting mindful microdosing, both in daily life and as a tool in preparation, ingestion, and integration. That naturally led to bringing more accessible use of mindfulness in the psychedelic space in general—for those ingesting and space holders alike.

What I did not expect was for both conversations to lead to caregiving and dementia. These conversations were very moving. They also highlighted the breadth and depth of how dementia touches lives in all areas of the world and across generations. As a senior citizen, my demographic is not accessing much of the information around psychedelics, nor do I see their presence online, where much of the narrative is unfolding.

When Dana Harvey, the founder and visionary of The Flourish Academy, noted in the hour-long conversation, “That [dementia, caregiving, and psychedelics] is unexplored territory,” I was deeply touched. I felt unexpected support in speaking out about these subjects. It reinforced the deep respect I have for my husband, Henry, who is in early-stage Alzheimer’s, and for his courage in letting his story be shared. It also connected me to the deep sadness of so many who suffer as caregivers in general and, specifically, for those dealing with dementia.

Understanding that this is unexplored territory and that there is deep sadness were two aspects evident when I met up with someone who lives where we are staying through March, outside San Miguel de Allende in Mexico. This community has people of all ages but mostly senior citizens. Having coffee with someone almost twenty years younger than me who is also a caregiver broke my heart.

Her husband was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s while in his forties. Early-onset Alzheimer's can begin in a person's 30s, and many people with early-onset Alzheimer's do not have a family history of the disease. It affects approximately 200,000 Americans today; unfortunately, this number is rising.

Now in their early fifties, my new friend and coffee buddy expects her husband will be receiving full-time care within a year. Coming here was the best option to ensure a caring environment—for both of them. She upended her life as she knew it: two working professionals to no jobs, their Florida home now rented out, twenty years of community and friendships now in another country, visiting their grown children just a short drive away now requiring international airline tickets. Not to mention, as she said, “losing the love of her life.” They were married at nineteen and have been together for over thirty years. She miraculously orchestrated this drastic lifestyle change all on her own in a month’s time.

Though I assume there is some PTSD in all this, she also expressed what I, too, can relate to: isolation, loneliness, overwhelming sadness and grief, complete overwhelm with responsibilities, and trying to navigate the new situation. She told me about several Facebook groups for people in her age bracket facing early-onset dementia—mostly women but also some men. That is where she found the little support that served as a lifeline in the depth of chaos, confusion, and loneliness, and eventually, a degree of depression.

If you are a caregiver reading this, can you relate? As hard as it might be to read this and feel the pain, you are NOT ALONE. This shared pain motivated me to put something together as an offering to CONNECT and lend support. That is why you can now access, for free on my website, an Intro on Microdosing for Caregivers and an audio narration of a Mindfulness Practice designed for you or someone you know who is a caregiver.

Why did I put together this 40-minute video overview on Mindful Microdosing for Caregivers? Well, when my coffee buddy told me she had never taken allopathic medicines but ended up seeking professional help for her understandable level of depression, she gladly started taking SSRIs. It has helped. I am glad for her. As with many of my mindful microdosing clients, after they complete a thorough intake form, if they are on meds and their meds are working, I question why they want to get off them—or why they want to try microdosing.

In my coffee buddy’s case, she had never heard of microdosing or how it is becoming a growing alternative to antidepressants. The National Institutes of Health research shows how the psychoactive ingredient in magic mushrooms correlates with the serotonin 2A receptor. Reports suggest psilocybin can replace SSRIs or could be an alternative, and has beneficial effects. As noted in psychiatrist.com, “Psychedelic drugs show initial promise as potential treatments for mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders. However, these are still investigational products.” The site goes on to report the risk of serotonin toxicity. This is another reason I do not endorse microdosing without any guidance or doing so recreationally and always advise seeking professional medical advice if on medications.

Many people report tapering off SSRIs through microdosing. What I found for myself, and why microdosing has been instrumental in my own mental health during such a challenging time, is that it not only boosts my immune system and brings deeper, sounder sleep, but it also helps me feel uplifted. I feel like, YES, I can do this! I can be present, grounded in the goodness of my heart (even though it is breaking), and be present for the challenges as they come. My increased tolerance and ease in handling things have made people remark at how well I seem to be managing. It does not mean I do not feel the pain and anguish, but it does mean I can be in the world in the WHOLENESS of who I am—and with what the situation requires of me.

Mindfulness has also been the thread of my life for many decades, with contemplative practice at its core. It grounds me in this more challenging part of my life’s journey, yet it keeps my heart and mind open to a greater understanding and receiving. Yes, even this challenge, received with a grateful heart.

- Lauren Alderfer, PhD.