The Loss of a Spouse May be Bad for Our Brains

We all understand how heartbreaking it is when a senior loses a beloved life partner but recent research now suggests that a surviving spouse may also be at a higher risk for cognitive decline. The study reports that individuals who were widowed with high levels of beta-amyloid plaque ( a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease), were found to decline cognitively three times faster than their counterparts who had not suffered the loss of a spouse. Dr. Nancy Donovan, the study’s lead researcher and chief of the Division of Geriatric Psychiatry at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, says, "The associations of widowhood and amyloid were compounded, not simply additive, indicating that widowhood is a specific risk factor for cognitive decline due to Alzheimer's disease."

While the Alzheimer’s Associations cautions that the study was a small one, practicing geriatrician and internist, Dr. Marzena Gieniusz, of the Northwell Health in Manhasset, N.Y., said she often sees signs of cognitive decline in surviving spouses in her practice. Experts say it could be that mild memory loss was already present beforehand but was not obvious when the person had the support of a loving spouse. Another reason may be the surviving spouse had day-to-day, steady companionship and socialization that helped them stay emotionally engaged. 

Not only is it easier for many of us to face the world as a couple, but when a spouse dies, the survivor may be more socially isolated, which in itself puts a person more at risk for cognitive decline. The Alzheimer’s Association recommends that surviving spouses make an effort to follow the guidelines for decreasing their risk for Alzheimer’s by exercising, engaging in cognitively stimulating activities, eating a healthy diet, managing stress levels and reducing cardiovascular risk factors. Also even if you are avoiding in-person contact due to COVID 19, it is important to stay socially engaged. Remember to make the effort to call a friend, do facetime calls with grandkids and family, write emails and snail mail letters, or join an online support group. 

If a loved one is suffering from Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, please contact one of the area’s most loving, professional Alzheimer’s care homes. The compassionate team at MorningStar at Englefield Green takes a holistic approach to memory care that is both specialized and individualized. Please visit our website for pricing and availability. 

MorningStar at Englefield Green embodies the very best in senior living with a distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” that sets us apart from other senior living communities. With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing seniors and investing in a staff with a felt calling to serve, we offer loving, compassionate care within a beautiful home-like setting. Visit our website to learn more about one of Boise’s finest Alzheimer’s care homes.