Pain is one of those body sensations that are physiologically there to tell us there is something wrong with us. It may be an indication of a pending heart attack and is life or death, or it may be the daily ache of arthritis in joints. Either way, we each experience pain as a unique experience.
As thinking cognitively intact adults, we tell others where the pain is and how it feels. In the individual with dementia, they are no longer able to interpret the meaning of pain and tell us what they feel. Often pain is thought to be manifested in behavioral symptoms for those with dementia. We know that pain is an uncomfortable sensation regardless of the severity of the pain. We also know that those who suffer from chronic pain can become depressed. This depression is probably both psychological as well as physical. A body that is consistently stressed from pain sensation is in a state of emergency. Remember pain is a way the body tells us that it is in distress. That state of constant emergency can drain the body and mind and lead to depressed feelings.
Because the individual with dementia cannot tell us how they feel, we must do our best to investigate the underlying cause or the behavior. Pain is often one of the first things to be explored. It is important to observe for patterns. The patterns will give us clues to the underlying cause. Some examples:
The rule of thumb is to consider pain as one of the causes of the behavior. Try to identify the source by observation and trending. Do not be afraid to treat what you think is pain with Tylenol. Stay away from aspirin, Aleve and ibuprofen over the counter products because of potential side effects. Do not use narcotics and prescription drug painkillers as the first line of treatment because of side effects. Pain hurts, and when we cannot disclose the cause, it can negatively impact on quality of life. Contact us for advice if you have a loved one struggling with pain.