Wendy Wolfson
RedwoodAge.com
Taking care of an elder with dementia takes such a toll on the immune system that the caregivers themselves may become more susceptible to age-related illnesses like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and diabetes.
That's the conclusion of a research just published by an Ohio State psychologist who studied the effects of long-term stress and anxiety on those taking care of people suffering from dementia.
Dr. Janice Kiecolt-Glazer looked for clues in a meta-analysis of previous research. In one recent study, people who took care of family members with dementia had a higher level of chemicals called proinflammatory cytokines in their bloodstreams - including four times the level of interleukin-6 - as non-caregivers.
The body normally releases such chemicals in the healing process. But too high a level can cause inflammation that may play a role in diseases of aging.
In her paper published in "Perspectives in Psychological Science," Kiecolt-Glazer also noted that the blood serum levels of former caregivers wasn't much different from current caregivers. She concluded that long-term stress can age the immune system, accelerating the onset of age-related illness.
The results shouldn't be entirely surprising. Various research studies have indicated that stressed people don't develop as much immune response to vaccines as healthy people.
People who are stressed and depressed are also more vulnerable to infection, heal from wounds more slowly and are more vulnerable to latent viruses such as HPV reemerging.
But the trend bodes ill as 78 million baby boomers hurtle towards retirement age, including tens of millions who were thrust into the role of caregiver as their elderly parents suffered through dementia.
Already, one in eight boomers - nearly 10 million Americans - are expected to develop Alzheimer's, a fatal disease whose symptoms include the most common type of dementia. The number of Alzheimer's patients is expected to triple to 15 million over the next two decades.
Coping Strategies
Given that taking care of a spouse or parent with dementia may be a common
experience for many boomers, what are practical ways to lower stress levels?
Some studies have shown that diet may play a role in staving off Alzheimer's and that exercise had a big impact on age-related mental decline. "Neural workouts" are also suggested as a way to stay mentally healthy.
"It's the same for all stress," said Dr. Elisabeth Broderick, Medical Director of the Elder Service Plan of the North Shore in Massachusetts. "Enough sleep. Good food. Ways to break up the monotony."
Broderick also suggested reaching out for assistance. "You want to look for local support from the local Alzheimer's Association." she said. "They can provide you will informal care that won't cost you money."
Broderick emphasized the importance of finding a primary care physician who will take your phone calls, because dementia is usually accompanied by other conditions. Caregivers should also look into elder services from the state.
Night & Day
Getting assistance with supervision is important, especially at night. A
companion can help provide needed time away during the day. But dealing with the
delusional behaviors of dementia, the constant repetition and the wandering can
be stressful.
According to Broderick, people with dementia can be very pleasant, but there is a problem with emotional stress because your parent may not recognize you or behave like the person you knew. "You have to live in the time period and moment of the elder," she said.
"Fatigue is huge," said Broderick. Part of dementia involves reversing night and day, so it isn't uncommon to see an elder up at 2:00 a.m., fully dressed to go out. For that, Broderick recommends books, like "The 36-hour Day," that outline coping strategies.
