Journal article
Illness episodes and cortisol in healthy older adults during a life transition
Annals of Behavioral Medicine, Vol.23(3), pp.166-176
08/01/2001
DOI: 10.1207/S15324796ABM2303_4
PMID: 11495217
Abstract
Alterations in neuroendocrine functioning and in the neuroendocrine response to stress have been observed in older adults. Stressful life events have also been associated with increased illness vulnerability. However, effects of natural life stressors on neuroendocrine functioning and health of the elderly have not been well characterized. This research examines relationships among cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), distress, and illness episodes in an elderly population experiencing the life transition of housing relocation. Thirty older adults moving to congregate living facilities were assessed in their homes 1 month premove and 2 weeks postmove. Twenty-eight nonmoving comparison participants were assessed at similar time points. Assessments included measures of intrusion, cortisol, DHEA-S, and self-reported infectious illness episodes. Movers reported more illness episodes between the two assessments than controls. Significant alterations in neuroendocrine measures were not observed among movers at either time point. Individuals with more intrusive thoughts had higher cortisol levels concurrently and prospectively, but these relationships did not vary by group. Greater intrusion at premove was associated with a greater likelihood of reported illness episodes between the two assessments, but there were no relationships between neuroendocrine factors and illness episodes, and intrusion did not mediate the relationships between group and likelihood of illness. In healthy elders, a temporary life stressor may increase vulnerability to illness but does not appear to pose a risk for sustained alterations in neuroendocrine hormones. However, the presence of intrusive thoughts may be a risk factor for elevations in cortisol.[PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Illness episodes and cortisol in healthy older adults during a life transition
- Creators
- Susan K Lutgendorf - University of Iowa, Psychological and Brain SciencesToni Tripp Reimer - University of Iowa, NursingJanet Schlechte - University of Iowa, Internal MedicineLinda M Rubenstein
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Annals of Behavioral Medicine, Vol.23(3), pp.166-176
- DOI
- 10.1207/S15324796ABM2303_4
- PMID
- 11495217
- NLM abbreviation
- Ann Behav Med
- ISSN
- 0883-6612
- eISSN
- 1532-4796
- Publisher
- Oxford University Press; Oxford
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 08/01/2001
- Academic Unit
- Psychological and Brain Sciences; Iowa Neuroscience Institute; Nursing; Obstetrics and Gynecology; Urology; Internal Medicine
- Record Identifier
- 9983557614302771
Metrics
6 File views/ downloads
131 Record Views