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Effects of Alzheimer caregiving on allostatic load
Susan K Roepke1, Brent T Mausbach, Thomas L Patterson
1San Diego State University & University of California, San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, La Jolla, California 92093-0680, USA.
Abstract:
This study aimed to determine if Alzheimer caregivers have increased allostatic load compared to non-caregivers. Potential psychological moderators (mastery, depression, and role overload) of the relationship between caregiving status and allostatic load were also explored. Eighty-seven caregivers and 43 non-caregivers underwent biological assessment of allostatic load and psychological assessments. Caregivers had significantly higher allostatic load compared to non-caregivers ( p < .05). Mastery, but not depression or overload, moderated the relationship between caregiving status and allostatic load. In conclusion, allostatic load may represent a link explaining how stress translates to downstream pathology, but more work is necessary to understand the role of psychological factors.
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