Potential correlation between chronic pain and amyloid beta in Alzheimer's disease

Pain refers to an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage. Chronic pain is a common symptom among Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. Due to the cognitive impairment characteristic of mid-to-late-stage AD, many AD patients fail to receive timely pain relief, leading to worsening of the disease. Understanding the relationship between chronic pain and the pathological progression of AD is crucial. Previous studies have confirmed a close correlation between pain occurrence and the metabolism of amyloid beta (Aβ) protein, one of the hallmark pathological features of AD. This article provides an overview of recent research progress on the interaction between pain and Aβ, analyzes its molecular mechanisms, and offers new research insights for effectively alleviating pain in AD patients and preventing or treating AD.