Husbands and wives caring for spouses with Alzheimer's disease have been a special focus of the Stress and Coping Project. Spouses who are caregivers are under exceptional stress because it is chronic and enduring. Patients become so impaired that they cannot perform the basic activities of daily living or provide companionship. Such losses may intensify the caregivers' physical and emotional problems, at an age where they are naturally at increased risk for illness. Caregiver women gain more weight than non-caregiver women.
Caregivers have higher insulin levels and a greater prevalence of heart disease.
The study will track the health status of both Caucasians and African Americans. For information on becoming a part of the study, call 543-8397.