Pain Management in Dementia

Running head: NURSING
Pain management in dementia
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author note

1NURSING
Executive summary
One of the most prevalent symptoms reported by dementia patients include an experience of
pain. However, it is not adequately recognised, thus often left untreated, which deteriorates
the health and wellbeing of the patients. The report identified four scientific evidences based
on pain management, and categorised them into levels 1, 2 and 3 of the evidence hierarchy.
This was followed by reflection on a clinical encounter, following which necessary
recommendations were made, in relation to all four evidences.

2NURSING
Table of Contents
Topic..........................................................................................................................................3
Significance................................................................................................................................3
Evidence description, evaluation and recommendation.............................................................4
Clinical situation......................................................................................................................15
Application of evidence to clinical situation............................................................................16
Summary of evidence...............................................................................................................16
References................................................................................................................................18

3NURSING
Topic
Dementia is an umbrella term and encompass several disease that are found to create a
long-term impact on the ability to remember and think, among older individuals. The
condition affects the ability of the affected individuals to conduct activities of daily living and
also gives rise to emotional problems, and gradual deterioration of consciousness (Livingston
et al., 2017). The assignment will focus on evidences that are based on caring for older
people with dementia.
Significance
With an increase in age, people suffer from a range of health problems that create a
substantial burden on their wellbeing. Persistent pain is commonly experienced by older
adults, and elderly patients with dementia often experience similar prevalence of pain
conditions, as their non-dementia affected counterparts (Hadjistavropoulos et al., 2014).
Persistent pain also creates significant negative impact by resulting in depressed mood,
decreased ambulation, and sleep disturbances, exacerbation of cognitive functioning,
increased fall risks and impaired appetite (Hendriks et al., 2014). Despite the difficulty in
diagnosing, and identifying the presence of persistent pain among dementia patients, the
condition has been found to create profound implications on the psychosocial and functional
domains of their lives (Giebel, Sutcliffe & Challis, 2015). Healthcare professionals also
demonstrate an absence of skills and time required for the accurate assessment of patients, in
order to implement care plans for pain management.
Evidence description, evaluation and recommendation
Issue: Pain Management for older people with dementia