Recognizing Pain in Older Adults Living with Dementia, with Mary Brachaniec & Thomas Hadjistavropoulos
What if changes in behaviour are actually signs of pain that aren't being recognized? On this episode of Action on Pain, we welcome Dr. Thomas Hadjistavropoulos and Mary Brohanitz to explore the challenges of identifying and managing pain in older adults living with dementia or cognitive decline.
From recognizing non-verbal signs of pain to using assessment tools like PACSLAC-II, the conversation highlights how caregivers and healthcare professionals can better identify pain, improve treatment, and avoid misinterpreting distress as behavioural or psychiatric issues. They also discuss the importance of regular pain assessments, collaboration between care teams, and the need for better pain management policies and resources in long-term care.
By combining research expertise with lived experience, this episode explores practical ways to ensure older adults receive the compassionate, appropriate pain care they deserve.
Transcription française ici:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1lqUcH4Kg-4fZ3vrx-N8njqBQTEaoX-5dmrmxNYplrk0/edit?usp=sharing
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Pain in demention patients reserch:
https://www.uregina.ca/arts/psychology/directory/faculty/hadjistavropoulos-t.html
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