HHS HealthBeat (October 05, 2007)

Stress stealing years

From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, I’m Ira Dreyfuss with HHS HealthBeat.

Unrelenting stress takes a toll. Researchers say they can trace its effects right into cells. And they suspect it could shorten some people’s lives.

The researchers checked cell parts called telomeres in people who care for patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Telomeres essentially limit the number of times cells can divide, so they affect how cells age.

Researchers found caregivers’ telomeres were more worn down than were telomeres of noncaregivers. They think this might explain other researchers’ findings that caregivers are at significantly more risk of sickness and death.

Ron Glaser of Ohio State:

``So it’s important to maintain family ties and friendship ties. That social support helps people buffer the stress of caregiving.’’ (6 seconds)

The study in the Journal of Immunology was supported by the National Institutes of Health.

Learn more at hhs.gov.

HHS HealthBeat is a production of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. I’m Ira Dreyfuss.

Last revised: May, 26 2008