Interferon and interleukins in Alzheimer's caregivers

Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients,  August-Sept, 2005  by Robert A. Anderson

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Natural killer (NK) cell reactions to incubation with recombinant interferon-[gamma] or recombinant interleukin-2 were measured in 28 former and current caregivers of patients with AD and 28 matched controls. The response of both present and former Alzheimer's caregivers was similar and was significantly suppressed compared to controls (p=.01). Higher levels of positive emotional and tangible social support were associated with higher levels of response to these two cytokines (p<.01).

Esterling BA et al. Psychosocial Modulation of Cytosine-induced Natural Killer Cell Activity in Older Adults. Psychosom Med 1996 MayJun; 58(3):264-72

COMMENT: The humoral as well as the cellular immune system is affected by stress when it is not managed well. The most alarming statistic here is that former caregivers had immune systems that were compromised to a degree equivalent to current caregivers. When the caregiving stress is over, but supplanted by the grieving for the death of the spouse, survivors should be given the opportunity for experiential stress management and relaxation training to help restore the immune system to potency.

COPYRIGHT 2005 The Townsend Letter Group
COPYRIGHT 2005 Gale Group