A new study published in The Journals of Gerontology shows that close relationships actually slow the debilitating effects of Alzheimer’s in elderly patients.
Researchers studied 167 people who they believed were suffering from early signs of Alzheimer’s. Of that number, 43 percent were in the care of their spouse, and 57 percent were in the care of their adult children. The study found that people with closer relationships to their caretakers (mostly the ones with their spouses) had a much slower progression of symptoms of dementia over a one to three year period.
It is widely accepted that mental activity breeds mental activity; older folks are often advised to keep their minds dexterous with games and puzzles. Eric J. Hall, president and CEO of the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America said of the study: “Relationships between spouses and children require mental activity and attention.”
It makes sense to me. If someone is living without the give and take of some sort of relationship with someone, surely something in the mind could give up. This is not to say that all people with advanced Alzheimer’s have been neglected, and certainly not to say that people should attempt to care for their spouse or parent if they’re not properly equipped. According to Rodale.com, “other studies have found that caregivers who are stressed out may accelerate the decline of Alzheimer’s patients.”
Rodale suggests that people who want to care for a relative or loved one with declining mental health should get educated about the disease and perhaps join a support group. “As spouses and children, nothing in our minds has properly prepared us for caring for an Alzheimer’s patient,” said Hall.
But perhaps something in our hearts has. If you know someone who is showing signs of dementia, don’t give up on them — this is your proof that your love and attention mean something.
More information at Rodale.com.
Photo courtesy of dynamix@sxc.hu.