Relationship between psychological pain and death anxiety with comprehensive geriatric assessment in older adults

Psychological pain refers to the torment that results from adverse experiences, such as loneliness, guilt, frustration, hopelessness or loss. Psychological pain may impair physical and psychosocial functioning of older adults. Death anxiety is associated with cognitive function deterioration, change to social environment and increased risk of depression. This study investigated associations among components of comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA), death anxiety and psychological pain.

In total, 100 patients aged ≥65 years were included in this study. Demographic characteristics and CGA test scores were examined. The Templer scale was used to evaluate death anxiety; the Psychache scale was used to evaluate psychological pain. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify parameters independently associated with poor cognitive performance and death anxiety.

The patients' median age was 73 (65-92) years. Death anxiety was detected in 34% of patients. Psychological pain and death anxiety levels were significantly associated with Mini-Mental State Examination, clock drawing test, Geriatric Depression Scale-15 and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) scores. Psychological pain levels were independently associated with cognitive performance. Finally, psychological pain and IADL scores were independently associated with death anxiety.

During a CGA, practitioners should note that psychological pain and death anxiety may negatively affect cognitive function and IADL scores. Patients should be re-evaluated, following suitable psychotherapeutic interventions. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; 20: 1056-1060..