Caregiving and allostatic load predict future illness and disability: A population-based study.

Area of Science:

• Health and Social Care
• Psychoneuroimmunology
• Biomarkers of Stress

Background:

• Caregiving for sick or disabled relatives is a recognized model for studying chronic stress impacts on immunity and inflammation.
• Allostatic load, measured by biomarkers, quantifies the cumulative wear and tear on the body from chronic stress.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if caregiving and allostatic load predict future illness or disability.
• To determine if allostatic load mediates the relationship between caregiving and subsequent health issues.

Main Methods:

• Utilized UK Understanding Society data (Wave 2 and Wave 9) from 471 caregivers and 2,151 non-caregivers.
• Compared allostatic load (total, immune, non-immune biomarkers) and future illness/disability incidence between groups.

Main Results:

• Caregivers exhibited higher allostatic risk scores and a greater likelihood of future illness/disability (23.3% vs 17.4%).
• Caregiving accounted for a 33% increased risk of future illness/disability.
• Allostatic load was a significant predictor of future illness/disability (OR=1.18, p<.001); however, mediation by allostatic load was non-significant after controlling for confounders.

Conclusions:

• Confirms that caregiving and elevated allostatic load negatively impact future health.
• Highlights the public health implications of supporting caregivers to mitigate long-term health consequences.