New Research Explores How Caregiving Impacts Memory and Thinking Skills

Caring for a loved one can be emotionally meaningful and rewarding, but it can also be physically and mentally demanding. Now, new research published in Age and Ageing suggests that caregiving may influence brain health in different ways depending on how intense the caregiving responsibilities are and who is receiving the care.

“Our study shows that the caring responsibilities many people take on later in life can be a double-edged sword,” said lead investigator Baowen Xue, Ph.D., M.B.B.S., a lecturer in Quantitative Methods & Social Epidemiology in the Department of Epidemiology and Public Health at University College London. “On the one hand, lighter caring responsibilities can be good for you by providing mental stimulation from interacting with loved ones or others you’re helping and a sense of purpose and usefulness, but being overloaded with caring tasks has exactly the opposite effect and can accelerate people’s mental decline in terms of not being as mentally sharp or quick-thinking as they used to be.”

Investigators analyzed nearly two decades of data from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing, following adults aged 50 and older between 2004 and 2023. The study included 2,765 caregivers and an equal number of non-caregivers matched for comparison. Investigators wanted to better understand how transitioning into a caregiving role affected two important areas of cognitive function: memory and executive function. Executive function refers to skills like planning, decision-making, focus, multitasking and problem-solving.

The findings showed that caregiving was not simply “good” or “bad” for cognitive health. Instead, the effects appeared to depend heavily on the type and intensity of care being provided.

“We found that caring within the household or for a spouse or partner — as well as long hours — can have this negative effect because caring for a loved one at home is often associated with providing care for long periods of time,” noted Xue.

People who provided lower-intensity care — around 5 to 9 hours per week — generally experienced a slower decline in executive functioning compared with non-caregivers. Similar benefits were seen among individuals caring for parents or parents-in-law, as well as those providing care outside their own household. These forms of caregiving may offer mental stimulation, social engagement, routine and a sense of purpose, all of which may help support cognitive health as people age.

However, the picture changed dramatically for people providing very high levels of care. Individuals spending 50 or more hours per week caregiving experienced faster declines in executive function. The same pattern was seen among people caring for a spouse or partner and those providing care within their own household. These situations may involve higher emotional stress, sleep disruption, physical exhaustion, social isolation and fewer opportunities for recovery or self-care.

“Our findings show that this shift has profound implications: carers’ well-being is often overlooked, and there is a real danger that many people overburdened with caring responsibilities will suffer the consequences,” said Xue.

Changes in memory followed a similar trend, although the effects were smaller and less pronounced than those seen with executive function. Interestingly, the team found no evidence that sex or wealth significantly changed the relationship between caregiving and cognitive decline, suggesting these patterns may affect a wide range of caregivers.

The study highlights an important message for patients and families: Caregiving itself is not necessarily harmful to brain health, and in some situations may even provide cognitive benefits. But excessive caregiving demands can place significant strain on both mental and physical well-being over time.

Investigators say the findings underscore the importance of recognizing caregiver burden early and ensuring caregivers have access to support systems, respite care, social connection and resources that help prevent burnout. Maintaining balance may not only improve quality of life for caregivers but could also help protect long-term cognitive health.

“Intensive carers are most at risk and need stronger support to prevent overload, such as better access to funded formal care and replacement care,” Xue emphasized. “Lower intensity carers, who may benefit cognitively, should be supported to keep their caring roles manageable.”