Moderate caregiving in later life may protect cognition, while longer hours of caring speed decline

A new study published in the journal Age and Ageing has found that becoming a carer in later life can have very different effects on cognitive health depending on the type and intensity of care provided. While moderate caring responsibilities may help maintain some aspects of cognitive function, providing longer hours of care appears linked to faster decline.

Researchers analysed nearly two decades of data from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing to examine how cognitive function changed before and after people aged 50 and over became carers. The study compared 2,765 carers with a matched group of non-carers, tracking changes in memory and executive function over time.

The findings suggest that lower intensity caring, particularly caring for five to nine hours a week, caring outside the household and caring for parents or parents in law, was associated with a slower decline in executive function compared with non-carers. Executive function includes skills such as planning, problem solving and verbal fluency.

In contrast, carers providing 50 hours or more of care each week showed a faster decline in executive function. Similar patterns were seen among people caring for a spouse or partner, and among those providing care within the household. Memory showed similar but weaker patterns overall.

The authors say the findings point to a balance between the potential cognitive benefits of social engagement and the strain associated with high intensity caring. The study draws on theories suggesting that mentally and socially stimulating activities may help preserve cognitive function in later life, while chronic stress and overload may have damaging effects.

Carers in the study were on average 60 years old and 56% were women. Around one in five provided 50 hours or more of care each week, while 41% cared for a spouse or partner.

The researchers found no evidence that the relationship between caring and cognitive decline differed by sex or wealth. However, they note that carers from lower wealth households started with lower levels of cognitive function overall, meaning inequalities remained throughout later life.

The study highlights the need for policies and support services that help prevent carer overload. The authors suggest that greater access to formal care, respite care and longer term support arrangements could help protect carers facing the greatest demands.

Xue B, McMunn A, Lacey R, Brimblecombe N, Knapp M, Walbaum M, Chen Y. 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;55:afag132. https://doi.org/10.1093/ageing/afag132 

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Photo by Centre for Ageing Better