Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 23, 2026

Assessment of Dependence in Activities of Daily Living Among Older Patients in an Acute Care Unit
Published on: September 30, 2020
Effects of dementia on perceived daily pain in home-dwelling elderly people: a population-based study
Pekka Mäntyselkä1, Sirpa Hartikainen, Kirsti Louhivuori-Laako
1Department of Public Health and General Practice, University of Kuopio, Unit of General Practice, Kupio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland. pekka.mantyselka@uku.fi
Background:
Pain is a significant problem in the elderly, but the impact of dementia on perceived pain has not been studied in population-based study settings.
Objectives:
To analyse the prevalence of daily pain and analgesic use among home-dwelling older people with and without dementia.
Design:
A cross-sectional population-based survey.
Setting:
Population of Kuopio city, Finland.
Subjects:
523 home-dwelling subjects aged 75 years and older.
Methods:
Structured clinical examination and interview.
Results:
Prevalence rates for any pain, any daily pain, pain every day interfering with routine activities, and daily pain at rest were significantly lower in those subjects with dementia (43%, 23%, 19% and 4%, respectively) compared to those subjects without dementia (69%, 40%, 36% and 13%, respectively). The subjects with dementia were less likely to use analgesics (33%) than the non-demented (47%).
Conclusion:
Dementia was related to a lower prevalence of reported pain and analgesic use among home-dwelling elderly people.
Related Concept Videos
Dementia
The progression of dementia is generally gradual.
Documentation in Long-Term and Home Healthcare Setting
Long-Term Care Facilities
Peripheral Artery Disease IV: Nursing Management
Dementia l: Introduction
