Pain: The Neglect Issue in Old People's Life

Maryam Noroozian; Shima Raeesi; Rezvan Hashemi; Leila Khedmat; Zahra Vahabi

doi:10.3889/oamjms.2018.335

Authors

Maryam Noroozian Memory and Behavioral Neurology Division, Department of Psychiatry, Roozbeh Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, 606 South Kargar Avenue, Tehran 1333795914
Shima Raeesi Department of Geriatric Medicine, Ziaeian Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran
Rezvan Hashemi Department of Geriatric Medicine, Ziaeian Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran
Leila Khedmat Department of Community Medicine, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Science,Tehran, Iran; Health Management Research Center and Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran
Zahra Vahabi Neurology Division, Department of Geriatric Medicine, Ziaeian Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Aboozar Avenue, Tehran 1366736511

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3889/oamjms.2018.335

Keywords:

Pain, Geriatrics, Dementia, Depression, Pain assessment, Pain management

Abstract

BACKGROUND: As the elderly population increases dramatically, the chronic age-related disease should be noted. In the elderly, chronic pain is a common health problem.

METHODS: This search was performed in 3 databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, Embase). We have reviewed articles related to pain management in the elderly.

RESULT: The prevalence of pain in people aged above 60 is twice that in younger people. Pain is estimated to be 45-85 per cent in the elderly. Pain is not a part of the ageing process, but many older people can experience it. Perception of pain can be affected by environmental, emotional, cultural and cognitive factors. Pain in the elderly often remains untreated and misdiagnosed.

CONCLUSION: Pain management in elderly needs different approach because of unreported pain in this population, and usually they have multiple problems and comorbidities that complicate evaluation and treatment.