Low use of analgesics in Alzheimer's disease: possible mechanisms.
This article discusses three possible mechanisms that might underlie the often observed low use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and other analgesics in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD), compared with nondemented elderly: (a) AD patients are progressively less able to communicate about pain; (b) AD patients suffer from fewer painful conditions than nondemented elderly subjects; and (c) considering the neuropathology, AD patients might actually experience pain to a lesser extent. Suggestions for future pain assessment in AD are made.
Scherder
E J
EJ
Department of Clinical Neuropsychology, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. EJA.Scherder@psy.vu.nl
D000368:Aged; D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000700:Analgesics / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004363:Drug Utilization; D006801:Humans; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010147:Pain Measurement
D000700:Analgesics; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal