She was forced to retire from her job and her husband, a physics researcher, had to give up work to become her full time carer.
But now the grandmother is beginning to enjoy life again after pioneering treatment was offered to her in Bristol.
The treatment accurately targets brain networks involved in depression.
Mrs Cook – whose illness had stopped responding to conventional treatments such as antidepressants – was offered deep brain stimulation (DBS) in the first trial in the world that stimulates two different parts of the brain.
Although DBS provided some temporary response, she relapsed and went on to be the first to have further advanced neurosurgery called an "Anterior Cingulotomy", which was carried out in early 2010.
Since having the treatments Mrs Cook says her life has changed and she feels happy for the first time in 10 years.
She now feels a connection to her grandchildren for the first time since they were born.
Mrs Cook said: "The effects were remarkable. Within a few weeks my life changed.
"I read books, did the housework, went for walks and, perhaps most importantly, got to know my family again."
DBS consists of inserting thin wires in the brain that are connected to a matchbox sized "pacemaker" inserted under the skin that provides constant electric stimulation.
The effects are to inhibit and stimulate brain circuits that are either too active or underactive.
These brain circuits are known to be involved with the regulation and control of emotion.
Dr Andrea Malizia, at Bristol University, led the study along with Mr Nikunj Patel, a neurosurgeon at North Bristol NHS Trust.
Dr Malizia said: "Our patients and their families suffer enormously and it is often thought that nothing else can be done.
"This lady responded temporarily to two of the complex treatments that we initiated in Bristol, but in the end remission has only been achieved by persisting and moving on to the next advanced treatment.
"We are very grateful to our patients and their relatives who, in spite of depression destroying their lives, bravely carry on fighting the illness year after year."
Mrs Cook has two grandchildren, but when the first was born at the height of her depression she said she initially took no interest.
The second was born seven months ago, after treatment and when she was feeling better.
She said: "I'm now rediscovering my family and my wonderful grandchildren so much so that we are now planning to move to be nearer to them.
"I cannot thank the clinicians and researchers who worked with me enough – they have given me my life back."
Read more at The Telegraph
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