Managing pain in patients with dementia in hospital.

Full Abstract

This is the fourth article in a series of five on dementia. Pain experienced by people with dementia is often poorly managed. Chronic pain can lead to further cognitive impairment, accidents and behavioural problems which can be minimised if the pain is properly assessed and managed. Patients with dementia receive fewer analgesics than any other patient group, but the likelihood of pain in this group is as high as in other older people. This article discusses the role of nurses in identifying and treating pain in patients with dementia. Approaches to assessment for improved detection and treatment of pain are outlined.

Author information

Author/s: Cunningham, Colm (C);

Affiliation: Dementia Services Development Centre, University of Stirling, Scotland. colm.cunningham(-atsign-)stir.ac.uk

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Review

Journal: Nursing standard (Royal College of Nursing (Great Britain) : 1987) (Nurs Stand), published in England. (Language: eng)

Reference: -2006 Jul 26-Aug 1; vol 20 (issue 46) : pp 54-8

Dates: Created 2006/08/10; Completed 2006/09/21;

PMID: 16898198, status: MEDLINE (last retrieved date: 2/18/2009)

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