{"id":284,"date":"2019-08-18T13:54:52","date_gmt":"2019-08-18T18:54:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/info.eugeria.ca\/?p=284"},"modified":"2020-02-21T12:48:29","modified_gmt":"2020-02-21T17:48:29","slug":"how-to-assess-pain-in-a-loved-one-with-alzheimers-or-dementia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/info.eugeria.ca\/en\/how-to-assess-pain-in-a-loved-one-with-alzheimers-or-dementia\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Assess Pain in a Loved One with Alzheimer\u2019s or Dementia?"},"content":{"rendered":"

The ability to express pain is a common problem for people who have Alzheimer\u2019s or other cognitive impairments. Since communication can be altered in Alzheimer\u2019s, identifying pain becomes more difficult for caregivers.<\/p>\n

Important changes in behavior can be caused by pain, which includes those classified as behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD \u2013 read our\u00a0article about BPSD<\/a>). This is why it is important to figure out how to detect whether your loved one has pain and where they have it, particularly when they are in the late stages of Alzheimer\u2019s when communication is more challenging.<\/p>\n

Researchers have developed several pain assessment tools designed specifically for people with dementia. The PACSLAC, the PAINAD, the\u00a0Abbey Pain Scale<\/em>, and the\u00a0Checklist of nonverbal pain indicators<\/em>\u00a0(CNPI) are the most widespread and are quite similar. Here are the key features of these tools:<\/p>\n

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  1. Breathing and vocalization
    \n<\/strong>Has your loved one\u2019s breathing changed? Is it faster or irregular?
    \nAre they vocalizing or making sounds that can be signs of physical discomfort?<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
      \n
    1. Facial expression
      \n<\/strong>You know your loved one\u2019s regular facial expressions. Any big variation may mean that something\u2019s off. Are their lips tightly sealed? Are they frowning or gritting their teeth?<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
        \n
      1. Body language
        \n<\/strong>Is your loved one\u2019s body language more jerky or tense than usual? Or do they look at rest and comfortable?<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
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        1. Body activity and movements
          \n<\/strong>When verbal expression becomes more difficult, body activity and movements can reveal whether they are feeling pain. Are they moving restlessly or clenching their fists? Have they recently started wandering or, on the contrary, significantly decreased their movements and mobility?<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
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          1. Behavioral or mood changes
            \n<\/strong>Has their behavior changed a lot? Are they resisting care? Are they more impatient or agitated? These changes can be due to pain onset.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
              \n
            1. Limb movements
              \n<\/strong>Hand movements can often show the presence of pain or where it hurts. Is your loved one holding on to things to support themselves? Are they protecting certain parts of their body? Are they rubbing any specific body part? These can help you find the location of the pain.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

              Note that the most significant behaviors are those that mark a significant change over your loved one\u2019s usual behavior. Pain can be a very telling symptom, so do not hesitate to ask a healthcare professional for more information when in doubt.<\/p>\n

              More about this topic<\/strong><\/p>\n