Caregivers of Veterans with TBI May be at Risk for Chronic Disease

According a researchers from Loyola University Chicago Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing, blame and anger associated with the grief of caring for a loved one with traumatic brain injury (TBI) may be related to inflammation and certain chronic diseases. The co-author of the study explained that grief, anger and blame are common among caregivers who are left to cope with the disabilities and loss of the person they once knew, and those feeling put the individuals at risk for inflammatory-related disease. During the study, researchers examined grief and its association with inflammation in 40 partners caring for veterans with TBIs. Study participants completed written measures of grief, perceived stress and symptoms of depression and also provided daily saliva samples in order to measure TNF-alpha, a substance associated with inflammation and chronic disease. Results showed that the study participants reported levels of grief comparable to individuals who have lost a loved one. Their grief was not associated with TNF-alpha, or inflammation in general. However, higher levels of TNF-alpha were found in individuals who reported high levels of blame and anger associated with their grief. This research may provide a better understanding for managing the health problems of caregivers who are at risk for developing inflammatory-related problems. To read more about this study, click here.