The effects of caregiving for a spouse with dementia on aging
Official title: Spousal Dementia Caregivers: Risk for Accelerated Aging
Funded at Ohio State University · NIH-10896424 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how the stress of taking care of a spouse with dementia might affect the health and aging of the caregiver, helping us understand if this kind of caregiving can speed up aging and impact overall well-being.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ohio State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 15, 2020 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $849,532 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG069138-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10896424 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are primary caregivers for a spouse diagnosed with dementia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not caregivers or those who do not have a spouse with dementia may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the stress of caring for a spouse with dementia may influence the aging process in caregivers. It examines the relationship between caregiver stress, immune system changes, and various molecular aging biomarkers. By analyzing factors such as inflammation and cytomegalovirus status, the study aims to determine whether caregiving accelerates aging and impacts overall health. The findings could provide insights into the long-term health risks associated with caregiving.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved health outcomes and support strategies for spousal caregivers of individuals with dementia.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown varying impacts of caregiving on health, but this study aims to explore new methodologies and biomarkers, making it a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Ohio State University
Columbus, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Christian, Lisa Michelle — Ohio State University
- Study coordinator: Christian, Lisa Michelle
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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The impact of caregiving for spouses with dementia on aging
This study looks at how taking care of a spouse with dementia might make caregivers age faster, by exploring the stress they experience and how it affects their health, with the goal of finding ways to better support them.
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Health, Aging and Dementia in South Africa: A Longitudinal Study
A long-term study in South Africa follows adults 40 and older to understand how aging affects dementia and Alzheimer’s, using surveys, cognitive tests, and biomarkers.
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Health, Aging and Dementia in South Africa: A Longitudinal Study
A long-term study in South Africa follows adults as they age to understand how dementia and Alzheimer’s affect people in LMIC settings.
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Health, Aging and Dementia in South Africa: A Longitudinal Study
A long-term study in South Africa follows adults as they age to better understand dementia and related factors.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.