At the American Psychological Association National Convention, August, 2010, Dr. Janice K. Kieolt-Glaser presented some of the newest behavioral medicine research on stress entitled "How stress kills: Assessing the damage and various remedies."
(Janice K. Kiecolt-Glaser, PhD, Jean-Philippe Gouin, MA, Nan-Ping Weng, MD, PhD, William B. Malarkey, MD, David Q. Beversdorf, MD, Ronald Glaser, PhD; Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, Ohio State University College of Medicine).
The study investigated the effects of stress on individuals who reported having experienced childhood adversity in a sample of adults who are caretakers of a parent or spouse diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Conclusions based on this research suggest that childhood adversity worsens effects of stress, adding to current hardships. In other words, children who experience trauma - be it physical abuse, sexual abuse or neglect, may be more prone to entering a cycle of negative emotion, i.e., depression and anxiety that may lead to problems in later life and possibly precipitate early death.
For example, children who experiences highly stressful events – such as death of a parent, witnessing severe marital problems or experienced abuse, may be more vulnerable to stressors as adults.
The research suggests that childhood adversity may for some, have a long term, negative affect on health. These childhood stressors may also contribute to inflammation and cell aging much earlier than for those who did not experience the stressful events in childhood.
The average age of the men and women who participated in the study was 70 years. The participants were a community sample of 58 caregivers for a spouse or parent with Alzheimer’s disease or another progressive dementia. The participants depression levels, report of childhood trauma and biochemical markers of stress were analyzed and compared to a control group.
The researchers measured several blood inflammatory markers: cytokines interleukin (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a) and telomere length. (Telomeres are the ends of strands of DNA. Shorter telomeres have been linked with aging, age-related diseases and death. IL-6 and TNF-a have also been linked to a number of cardiovascular, including diabetes, autoimmune and infectious diseases).
Conclusions from the study found that " childhood adversity was associated with shorter telomeres and increased levels of inflammation even after controlling for age, caregiving status, gender, body mass index, exercise and sleep," said Kiecolt-Glaser.
"Inflammation over time can lead to cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, arthritis, Type 2 diabetes and certain cancers.“ Childhood abuse and caring for an ill spouse or parent was also associated with higher levels of depression, she said.
Clearly, results of this study suggest the importance of early intervention to prevent the stress effects as well as undertaking immediate interventions in those affected - for the reduction of symptoms and increased ability to cope. These interventions should include psychological treatment for depression and anxiety as well as the building of coping skills, encouraging regular exercise and instruction and practice in mindfulness.
