Chronic pain in Alzheimer disease and the role of neuroimmune interactions

Chronic pain conditions affect a large proportion of the global population and pain has tremendous personal and economic impact, affecting quality of life and ability to work while imposing a significant burden on families and health care systems. Neurological disorders and painful conditions are frequently accompanied by chronic pain, which is often jointly diagnosed with age-related neurodegenerative diseases, however, many patients do not receive adequate treatment. This review aims to create a working framework around the issue of under-recognized/undertreated chronic pain in Alzheimer disease by offering an in-depth overview of the mechanisms driving chronic pain and how we can leverage this knowledge to advance therapeutics approaches for these patients with an emphasis on the immune system. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Chronic pain conditions are prevalent among the aging population, and they positively associate with dementia. The incidence of chronic pain is associated with neuropsychiatric symptoms of dementia and pain management should aim for effective treatments regardless of cognitive status.