Persistence of pain quality in community-dwelling older adults with chronic non-cancer pain

Chronic geriatric pain is a complex condition to assess and treat. Older age is associated with several highly prevalent comorbid pain conditions including both musculoskeletal and neurologic conditions.1 The impact of pain in older persons goes far beyond physiologic risks to include impaired cognitive function, depression, sleep disturbance, diminished socialization, increased healthcare use and costs, and impaired functional abilities.2 Despite the prevalence and potential impact, stoic attitudes of older adults in pain, myths about pain being a natural element of aging, and fears about potential addiction, can lead to underreported and undertreated pain in this population.

Source: Geriatric Nursing - February 21, 2018 Category: Nursing Authors: Manu Thakral, Ling Shi, Janice B. Foust, Kushang V. Patel, Robert H. Shmerling, Jonathan F. Bean, Suzanne G. Leveille Source Type: research