Study: Depression Weakens Immune System of Men Caring for Spouse

Depression may weaken the immune system of older men who are caring for a spouse suffering from Alzheimer's disease, according to researchers at the University of Washington in Seattle.

Also, anger affects the immune system of both men and women involved in caregiving, according to the study published in the Journal of Behavioral Medicine.

Researchers studied the relationship between depression, anger and the immune system in 82 elderly people who cared for a spouse with Alzheimer's disease. These caregivers were compared to 83 noncaregivers who were matched for age and gender.

The participants were evaluated on their physical and psychological health and physical activity at the beginning of the study and again at 15 to 18 months later. They were also measured for how vigorously their immune systems responded to substances that triggered the activation of lymphocytes.

Feelings of depression were associated with a diminished immune response in men but not in women. Much of the men's depression was more from loneliness than actual clinical depression, according to the researchers. Researchers speculate that because caregiving is not a traditional role for men, it may affect how they cope with the responsibility.

Other sources: Journal of Behavioral Medicine