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One of the most pervasive diseases that can affect the mind is Alzheimer’s. The disease tends to take root as people age, and is particularly insidious when someone doesn’t have a lot of mental stimulation.
A new study has shown that something else could spur the downward spiral into Alzheimer’s: losing one’s spouse.
We already knew that loss of a loved one is one of the biggest causes of depression. But we’re now learning that it can also contribute to Alzheimer’s.
The study looked at a group of participants over a three-year period, showing a notable decline in cognitive function among widows. Married participants did not display the same decline.
We have a natural human capacity to endure hardship and poor health for love. Humans, as very social creatures, find meaning, joy and purpose in being together with loved ones.
When the person one has spent their life with passes away, the hole left behind can be devastating. Anyone who has seen an older loved one quickly deteriorate into poor health after their spouse passes away can attest to this.
This new study has given scientific credence to such commonly-held knowledge. Researchers found that widowed participants saw their cognitive function decline three times faster over a three-year period than participants with living spouses.
These findings were isolated to people with high levels of beta-amyloid. Beta-amyloid is a compound that plays a role in the development of Alzheimer’s disease.
However, the study also looked at a control group of people without high levels of beta-amyloid. These people were still at a higher risk for developing dementia symptoms if they were widowed. Married participants in the same control group did not show a higher risk.
The study concluded, unsurprisingly, “Cognitively unimpaired, widowed older adults were particularly susceptible to Alzheimer disease clinical progression.”
The researchers are calling for more attention and research for this historically underserved population.
More and more Americans are living to older ages. The number of people struggling with being widowed and fighting Alzheimer’s or other dementia symptoms will only increase.
It’s common for recently-widowed people to go for weeks or months without seeing friends or family. If their primary social interaction was with their spouse, the loss could mean they no longer have social stimulation.
It is important to take note of older loved ones who might be struggling to engage socially. Try to spend time with them and help them through tough times.
