WEIGHT CHANGES IN CAREGIVERS OF ALZHEIMERS CARE RECIPIENTS - PSYCHOBEHAVIORAL PREDICTORS

Relationships of changes in body mass index (BMI) were examined with c hanges in psychobehavioral variables in spouse caregivers of individua ls with Alzheimer's disease (n = 81) and matched spouses of controls ( n = 86). Men caregivers had significantly greater BMI and obesity than men controls at both times. Over 15-18 months, women caregivers gaine d significantly more weight than did women controls. A trend for great er obesity occurred in women caregivers than in women controls at foll ow-up. Although weight gain was not related to psychobehavioral variab les in controls, in men caregivers decreased perceived control and inc reased fat intake explained significant variance in weight gain. In wo men caregivers, increased anger control and increased calories explain ed weight gain. Such caregivers may be at risk for health problems.