This study examined how taking on a caring role in later life affects cognitive health. It found that providing lower levels of care, particularly for parents or relatives living outside the household, was linked to a slower decline in thinking and decision-making skills. In contrast, people providing very intensive care (50 or more hours per week), especially for a spouse or someone living in the same household, experienced faster cognitive decline. The findings suggest that caregiving can be beneficial in moderation, but excessive caring demands may harm cognitive health. This highlights the need for better support for carers.
Baowen Xue et al. | Association between becoming a carer in later life and changes in the trajectory of cognitive function: results from the English longitudinal study of ageing | Age and Ageing, 2026