Recognition and assessment of pain in people with advanced dementia.

Abstract

Pain is highly prevalent among older adults, equally affecting people with dementia and those without cognitive impairments. As dementia progresses, patients often develop difficulties in communication and it may impact their ability to self-report pain. Therefore, it is essential that nurses working with dementia patients understand how to recognise, assess and manage pain in this population. This article explores how pain affects people with dementia, especially those who cannot communicate their discomfort, and discusses how pain may present in these individuals. The article also offers guidance on assessing pain using observational tools. It highlights the importance of knowing the person and the valuable information provided by family caregivers. A hypothetical case study is used to consider some of the common issues in community nursing.