A new study suggests that the chronic stress of caregiving affects a critical pathway in the immune system in the long-term.

Previous research has shown that caregivers have an elevation of specific chemical markers suggesting impairment of the immune system. Scientists at Ohio State University now show that an immune pathway involving the molecule interleukin-6 (IL-6) is particularly affected.

They monitored the health of 117 caregivers, comparing them to 106 age-matched people who were not caregivers. IL-6 levels were monitored, even after the person being cared for died (and the caregiving role was given up). This showed that caregivers have elevated IL-6 levels, even long after they cease to be caregivers.

It looks as if stress may impair immunity in the very long-term. What is more, IL-6 is known to be involved in chronic health problems like heart disease, arthritis, type 2 diabetes and certain cancers. So caregiving may have important implications for future health. Therefore, it is important to learn to how manage your stress in order to preserve your future health.

Source

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 30th June 2003