The round-the-clock demands of caring for a person with Alzheimer's disease puts a tremendous amount of stress on caregivers. They often don't have the time -- or the energy -- to take care of their own health needs, a situation that puts them at increased risk for chronic conditions like heart disease. A study in the Journal of Gerontology offers a possible compromise, showing that even a moderate level of physical activity--done in 30-minute sessions in and around the home--may help caregivers safeguard their health.

Making time for exercise

Researchers from Stanford University in California recruited 100 middle-aged and older women who spent at least 10 hours each week caring for a relative with Alzheimer's disease or another form of dementia. They completed tests designed to assess their physical and emotional health, sleep quality, and response to stress. Half of the women were then instructed to either walk briskly in their neighborhood or exercise in their homes (using a stationary bike or an exercise video) for a 30-minute session, four times a week. The other half received instruction on how to follow a low-fat "heart-healthy" diet, but were not required to exercise.

What was unusual about this program is that all participants received their initial instructions and follow-up support by phone. None were required to travel to the study center, an accommodation that allowed women with very little free time to participate.

Managing stress

Neither group lost much weight during the yearlong study, although the exercisers expended an additional 1000 calories per week. The biggest improvements appeared to be in how the participants dealt with stress. Both groups reported that depression was less of a problem after participating in the program. Those in the exercise group fared even better. They reported a marked improvement in the quality of their sleep.

In addition, these women showed less of an increase in their blood pressure in response to stressful situations, an improvement that reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Taking care of caregivers

The authors acknowledge that it can be hard for caregivers to carve out enough personal time to take care of their own health needs, and no wonder -- the women in this study spent an average of 72 hours per week caring for a mentally incapacitated spouse or parent. But the authors point out something that caregivers themselves probably realize: regular exercise is a key part of staying healthy themselves. Exercise is a proven antidote to stress, and any amount of time spent walking or working out with weights or an exercise video is an investment in good physical and mental health.