A new research project indicates that people with Alzheimer’s disease experience chronic pain in a different way than people without dementia do. Unfortunately, it is already hard to get an accurate idea of what pain looks like when someone suffers from dementia. It becomes even harder to treat because of the fundamental differences in how the body interprets this pain.
Pain often goes untreated in those with dementia, but if we approach treatment in a way that can provide better relief, it’s possible that these individual will be happier and healthier–even while they battle the daily fight against dementia.
This research comes out of King’s College in London. The team published their findings in the journal, Nature Communications. There’s a lot more research here that needs to be done, but hopefully this is going to be a launching point for future research projects. People suffering from these conditions deserve the best path forward that can be provided.
Alzheimer’s disease impacts seniors’ ability to live independently, undermining their everyday functionality and quality of life. As this neurodegenerative disorder advances, seniors face memory loss, confusion, and cognitive decline, making simple tasks like cooking, dressing, or managing their finances challenging or impossible. The loss of spatial orientation and time awareness may lead to wandering and disorientation, increasing the risk of accidents and getting lost. Seniors may become dependent on others for their personal care and safety, leading to feelings of helplessness and frustration. Maintaining independence becomes an uphill battle as Alzheimer’s erodes their ability to manage daily routines, social interactions, and self-care, ultimately necessitating specialized care and support.
Then, add onto this the fact that chronic pain can significantly hinder daily life, making even simple tasks challenging. It causes constant discomfort, fatigue, and reduced mobility, impacting work, social activities, and emotional well-being. The continuous struggle with pain can lead to frustration, depression, and isolation, making life overall more difficult and challenging to navigate.
Someone suffering from both Alzheimer’s and chronic pain is fighting a very difficult battle, one that they will ultimately lose. Unfortunately, there’s no cure for Alzheimer’s. But this doesn’t mean that there’s nothing that can be done to help them live a higher quality of life for a longer period of time. There are treatments and therapies out there that some people find helpful for extending the quality of their life for several years. This will be different for each individual, but the fact remains that how we approach Alzheimer’s has improved over the last several years. There are also simple things that can help delay symptoms from worsening, such as exercise and improved diet.
But when a loved has Alzheimer’s, finding a team to help is essential. That’s one of the great things about a high quality senior care service. They aren’t just providing assistance for an elderly individual; they are part of a bigger team aimed at really helping that person live a better life.
We would love to be part of your team. Give us a call today to learn more about Paradise In-Home Care.
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