Chronic pain and subjective memory problems are dynamic risk factors for functional decline: An ACTIVE longitudinal...

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Neuroscience
• Public Health

Background:

• Chronic pain and subjective memory problems (SMPs) are prevalent in older adults.
• Both conditions are associated with functional decline, disability, and dementia risk.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the associations between SMPs and cognitive, physical, and psychosocial functioning in older adults.
• To investigate chronic pain as a moderator of these associations.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from 2365 participants in the Advanced Cognitive Training for Independent and Vital Elderly (ACTIVE) study.
• Employed multilevel models to assess baseline and time-varying SMPs and chronic pain.
• Evaluated cognitive (memory, reasoning, processing speed), physical (mobility, grip strength, self-rated health), and psychosocial (depressive symptoms, social functioning) outcomes.

Main Results:

• Greater SMPs were linked to poorer baseline cognitive performance.
• SMPs and chronic pain were independently associated with worse physical and social functioning and more depressive symptoms.
• Chronic pain uniquely predicted reduced mobility and grip strength.
• SMPs interacted with chronic pain to predict steeper declines in reasoning and physical function.
• Increases in SMPs correlated with declines across cognitive, physical, and psychosocial domains.

Conclusions:

• SMPs are significant predictors of functional decline in older adults, particularly those with chronic pain.
• Jointly considering SMPs and chronic pain is crucial for identifying older adults at risk for accelerated functional decline.
• Interventions targeting both memory concerns and pain management may be beneficial for this population.