Neuroendocrine and immunological correlates of chronic stress in 'strictly healthy' populations.

Background: Chronic stress has been associated with detrimental or maladaptive neuroendocrine and immunological changes.

Objectives: We assessed the neuroendocrine and immunological correlates of a realistic chronic stress experienced by strictly healthy caregivers of Alzheimer's disease patients and age-matched controls.

Methods: We screened 330 caregivers and 206 non-caregivers according to the 'strictly healthy' conditions established by the SENIEUR protocol.