People with Dementia Are Often Undertreated for Pain

When people lose their ability to articulate what is causing them pain, this pain is often overlooked by doctors. A recent Slovenian study presented at the Congress of the European Academy of Neurology (EAN) in Copenhagen and conducted by Dr. Martin Rakusa investigated this problem. It involved 452 patients with an average age of 65 who had been treated for diabetes over a period of many years. Some 44 percent (199 individuals) were considered cognitively impaired. Using careful examination to compare pain levels of those who could communicate with those who could not, it became obvious to the team that those who could not communicate their pain still experienced as much pain as those who could. Read full article on HealthCentral about treatment for pain in people with dementia: Purchase Minding Our Elders: Caregivers Share Their Personal Stories – paperback or ebook An amazing book of stories that will touch your heart and encourage you, especially if you are a caregiver. Carol  Bradley Bursack also has an excellent web site devoted to the elderly and their caregivers. - Carol Heilman Related articles Dementia Caregivers Grief Soul Deep, Defies Labeling Sleep Deprivation May Contribute to Alzheimer's Risk Tales From a Veteran Caregiver of Multiple Elders                Related StoriesOverly Dependent Parent Presents Delicate Challenge to FamilyHospice Care about Re-Focusing Priorit...
Source: Minding Our Elders - Category: Geriatrics Authors: Source Type: blogs