The Healthy Caregiver? A Positive Impact of Informal Caregiving Status on Cognitive Functions Over Time From the Midlife in the United States Study
Abstract
Objectives: The current study examined whether informal caregivers performed worse, better, or similar to non-caregivers on cognitive tests of executive functioning and episodic memory over 10 years. Methods: Data were from waves 2 (2003–04) and 3 (2013–14) of the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) study (N = 2086). Multiple linear regression models examined whether caregiving at both waves 2 and 3 predicted better cognitive functioning at wave 3, than caregiving at only one time point or no caregiving (reference) while controlling for baseline covariates (i.e., sociodemographic, health, and functional status). Results: After controlling for covariates, caregiving at both waves was independently associated with better performance in episodic memory (b =.24, SE =.10, p =.013) but not executive function (b = −.06, SE =.05, p =.246). Discussion:The findings partially supported both healthy caregiver and stress process models, indicating caregiving may be associated with better episodic memory but not executive functioning over time among the middle-aged and older adults.
Publication Title
Journal of Aging and Health
Recommended Citation
Bhattacharyya, K., Liu, Y., Das Gupta, D., Molinari, V., & Fauth, E. (2024). The Healthy Caregiver? A Positive Impact of Informal Caregiving Status on Cognitive Functions Over Time From the Midlife in the United States Study. Journal of Aging and Health, 36 (10), 631-641. https://doi.org/10.1177/08982643231209482
