[Multidimensional pain assessment in patients with dementia]

Publication

[Multidimensional pain assessment in patients with dementia]

Journal Paper/Review - Nov 1, 2007

Lautenbacher S, Mylius Veit, Mylius V, Scharmann S, Hemmeter U, Schepelmann K

PubMed

17522898

Doi

10.1007/s00482-007-0545-4

Citation

Lautenbacher S, Mylius V, Mylius V, Scharmann S, Hemmeter U, Schepelmann K. [Multidimensional pain assessment in patients with dementia]. Schmerz 2007; 21:529-38.

Type

Journal Paper/Review (Deutsch)

Journal

Schmerz 2007; 21

Publication Date

Nov 1, 2007

Issn Print

0932-433X

Pages

529-38

Brief description/objective

BACKGROUND
It is well known that patients with dementia complain less about pain and receive fewer analgesics than other patients. The question arises of whether disorders associated with dementia change the processing of pain.

METHODS
A total of 20 patients with dementia and 40 patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) as well as 40 healthy control subjects were investigated for their subjective (category scale), facial (FACS) and motor (R-III reflex) pain responses to mechanical and electrical stimuli.

RESULTS
Patients with dementia did not rate the intensity of the stimuli differently; however, they were less frequently capable of providing ratings. At equal levels of stimulus intensity, demented patients showed stronger facial responses. The R-III reflex thresholds were lowered in demented patients. MCI patients appeared only slightly changed.

CONCLUSIONS
Our findings suggest that the processing of acute noxious stimuli is intensified in patients with dementia. Against the background of a reduced prescription of analgesics, an under-treatment of pain in patients with dementia might be the consequence.