Stress Reduction for Caregivers

According to July 14, 2003 article in U.S. News & World Report, a new Ohio State study found that caregivers of spouses with Alzheimer's and other long-term illnesses are more susceptible to disease.

Stress is the underlying reason, which has been shown to weaken the immune system. In the study, the caregivers' blood had the higher amounts of Interleukin-6 (IL-6). In some cases, IL-6 levels were still elevated more than 3 years after the stressful tasks had ended, indicating that chronic stress could irreparably age the immune system. High IL-6 levels have been linked to heart disease, arthritis, diabetes, osteoporosis and some cancers.

The bottom line: relax more and allow others to help you with caregiving.