The role of allostatic load as a mediator between chronic stress and poor health for dementia caregivers

Funded Activity Summary

The potential risk to caregivers of dementia patients of poor health outcomes is well documented. The burden imposed by caregiving is most often described in terms of chronic stress. While it is apparent that some stress-relieving social interventions (e.g. respite) may have short-term benefits, it is also clear that many caregivers are unable or unwilling to avail themselves of such programs. The way in which chronic stress leads to poor health is not well understood. Our study of spouse caregivers seeks to identify the groups of physiological systems that suffer cumulative wear and tear as a result of chronic stress. This wear and tear is called allostatic load, and is thought to lead to poor health. It is expected that caregivers in our study will have greater allostatic load than people who are not caregivers. Should this be the case, our results will provide the basis for the design of tailored interventions to maintain caregivers in good health. The potential of such preventive health measures is to reduce caregivers' health care costs and reliance on community support, and to help caregivers to continue providing care for their spouses at home.

Funded Activity Details

Start Date: 01-01-2001

End Date: 01-01-2003

Funding Scheme: NHMRC Project Grants

Funding Amount: $237,321.00

Funder: National Health and Medical Research Council

Research Topics

ANZSRC Field of Research (FoR)

Financial economics

ANZSRC Socio-Economic Objective (SEO)

There are no SEO codes available for this funding activity

Other Keywords

caregivers | dementia | geriatrics | health status | longitudinal study | stress

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