研究提示，长年照顾患有痴呆症的另一半的老年人易患认知障碍，甚至是老年痴呆症。究其原因可能与长年照顾痴呆症老伴者易出现抑郁、孤独、社会活动减少和睡眠不足，及其饮食和/或运动不当，甚至出现肥胖、胰岛素抵抗等有关。这一研究结果提示，人们应该注意给这一类的老年人提供心理支持和相关帮助。当然，更为重要的是长年照顾患病老伴的老年人应自觉关注自身的心理健康，尽量遵循健康的生活方式，以预防自己的认知功能受损。更多资讯，请参阅原文：

Older Caregivers at Greater Risk for Cognitive Decline

Study finds those caring for spouse with dementia often struggle with attention span and memory

FRIDAY, May 13 (HealthDay News) -- Caring for a loved one who is ill is always stressful, but older people caring for a spouse who has dementia may face an increased risk for cognitive problem or dementia themselves, researchers report.

The new study, published in the May issue of the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, warns that caregivers need support to maintain their own mental health and ability to care for their loved ones.

Researchers reviewed studies examining the cognitive health of older adults caring for a family member (primarily a spouse) with dementia. The review revealed that spouses who are caregivers may have a higher risk of cognitive impairment or dementia than spouses who are not caregivers.

"Persons who are caring for a spouse with dementia may themselves be at risk for cognitive problems which, in turn, will not only negatively influence their quality of life, but may reduce their ability to provide the necessary care for their spouse," study author Peter Vitaliano, University of Washington School of Medicine, said in a journal news release. "Spouse caregivers are extremely important because most care-recipients prefer to be cared for in their homes, and, by remaining in their homes, health-care costs are reduced greatly."

The study attributed the caregivers' cognitive decline to a number of possible contributing factors, including:

１）Psychosocial factors: depression, loneliness, social isolation and sleep problems.

２）Behavioral factors: exercise and diet.

３）Physiological factors: obesity, chronically elevated insulin and inflammation.

The researchers concluded that strategies are needed to help ease psychological distress and promote healthy behaviors among caregivers, such as eating right and exercising.

SOURCE: Wiley-Blackwell, news release, May 13, 2011