Association between becoming a carer in later life and changes in the trajectory of cognitive function: results from the English longitudinal study of ageing
Intensive caregiving accelerates cognitive aging in spouses, while light caregiving may protect cognition, highlighting carer support's importance.
This large ELSA longitudinal study (n=5530, matched) showed that caring intensity and relationship type modulate cognitive aging trajectories: low-intensity caring may be cognitively protective while intensive spousal care accelerates cognitive decline. These findings underscore the importance of carer overload prevention for both caree and carer brain health.
What the study was
- Study design
- Longitudinal propensity-matched cohort study (ELSA waves 2-10, 2004-2023)
- Population
- ELSA participants aged 50+ transitioning to caring roles (n=2,765 carers matched to n=2,765 non-carers)
- Sample size
- 5530
- Category
- Public Health
- Maturity
- Validated
- Journal
- Age and Ageing
Why it surfaced
Large ELSA longitudinal cohort (n=5530, 19 years) on modifiable determinants of cognitive aging. Well-designed population health study. Age and Ageing.
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