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  11. Effects Of Caregiving Burden On Serum Homocysteine And Folate Levels In Spouses Of Patients With Cognitive Impairment.

Effects of caregiving burden on serum homocysteine and folate levels in spouses of patients with cognitive impairment.

Ho Yeong Jeong1, Shin Young Park1, Jeong Lan Kim1,2

  • 1Department of Psychiatry, Chungnam National University Hospital, Daejeon, Republic of Korea.

Journal of Alzheimer'S Disease Reports
|March 4, 2025

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View abstract on PubMed

Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Caregiving burden in spousal caregivers of patients with cognitive impairment is linked to higher homocysteine and lower folate levels. Monitoring these biomarkers may help mitigate health risks for caregivers.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Cardiovascular Health
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Spousal caregivers (SCGs) of individuals with cognitive impairment face increased risks of cardiovascular disease and cognitive decline.
  • Homocysteine and folate are identified as crucial modifiable biomarkers linked to both cardiovascular and cognitive health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between the caregiving burden experienced by SCGs and their homocysteine and folate levels.
  • To understand potential biochemical markers that may influence the health of SCGs.

Main Methods:

  • A study involving 107 spousal caregivers and their care recipients was conducted at Chungnam National University Hospital.
  • Caregiving burden was assessed using the Zarit Burden Interview, with blood samples analyzed for homocysteine and folate levels.
  • Statistical analyses adjusted for covariates including caregiver age and sex, and care recipient diagnosis.

Main Results:

  • A significant positive correlation was found between caregiving burden and homocysteine levels in SCGs (p=0.033).
  • An inverse correlation was observed between caregiving burden and folate levels (p=0.049).
  • The link between caregiving burden and elevated homocysteine remained significant even after adjusting for vascular risk and physical activity.

Conclusions:

  • Caregiving burden in SCGs is associated with detrimental changes in homocysteine and folate levels.
  • These biochemical alterations may contribute to the heightened risk of cardiovascular disease and cognitive decline in SCGs.
  • Monitoring homocysteine and folate levels is recommended for early intervention and risk mitigation in this population.
Keywords:
Alzheimer’s diseasecognitive impairmentfolatehomocysteinespousal caregiver

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