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Chronic Pain in the Elderly: Mechanisms and Perspectives
Ana P A Dagnino1,2, Maria M Campos1,2,3
1Programa de Pós-graduação em Medicina e Ciências da Saúde, Escola de Medicina, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
Frontiers in Human Neuroscience
|March 21, 2022
Summary
Chronic pain in the elderly causes disability and is linked to psychological issues and cognitive decline. Research explores altered pain mechanisms, comorbidities, and new treatments for this growing population.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Pain Medicine
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Chronic pain significantly impacts the elderly, causing functional disability, psychological distress (depression, anxiety), cognitive deficits, and sleep disturbances.
- The aging population experiences unique pain challenges, often stemming from musculoskeletal conditions, arthritis, and osteoarthritis, leading to reduced quality of life and independence.
- Physiological changes with aging, including altered pain processing and potential degeneration of inhibitory pain pathways, influence pain perception and response in older adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current state of pre-clinical and clinical research on chronic pain in the elderly.
- To emphasize the altered pain mechanisms, associated comorbidities, and clinical challenges in this demographic.
- To explore potential therapeutic alternatives for managing chronic pain in older adults.
Main Methods:
- This review synthesizes findings from pre-clinical and clinical studies.
- It analyzes existing literature on the neurobiological and psychological aspects of chronic pain in aging.
- The review focuses on identifying challenges and evaluating therapeutic options.
Main Results:
- Elderly individuals exhibit altered pain processing, potentially due to changes in descending inhibitory pathways.
- Chronic pain in the elderly is associated with increased risks of dementia, cognitive impairment, and comorbidities.
- Aging may lead to an elevated pain threshold, reduced pain sensation, and decreased pain tolerance.
Conclusions:
- Chronic pain in the elderly is a complex issue with unique physiological and psychological underpinnings.
- Understanding altered pain mechanisms and comorbidities is crucial for effective management.
- Further research into novel therapeutic strategies is essential to improve the quality of life for aging individuals with chronic pain.
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