Unresolved Pain may lead to Behavioral Issues in the Memory Impaired

According to a recent report by the American Medical Directors Association, and the AMDA Clinical Practice Guideline on Chronic Pain Management - unresolved pain issues are very often the cause of behavior issues in the memory impaired. Persons with a memory impairing illness, such as Alzheimer's Disease, are often unable to fully or properly express their physical condition and simply become frustrated by the pain they are experiencing. When this occurs, they may lash out verbally or physically, causing the caregiver upset and sometimes injury.

The following guide may help you identify nonspecific signs and symptoms that suggest the presence of pain in persons with a memory impairing illness. If you suspect that the person you are caring for may be experiencing pain or if they show these signs & signals, you should contact their physician for advice on treatment.

Nonspecific Signs and Symptoms That Suggest the Presence of Pain in the Memory Impaired:

- Frowning, grimacing, fearful facial expressions, grinding of teeth

- Bracing, guarding or rubbing

- Fidgeting, increasing or recurring restlessness

- Striking out, increasing or recurring agitation

- Eating or sleeping poorly

- Sighing, groaning, crying, breathing heavily

- Decreasing activity levels

- Resisting certain movements during care

- Change in abilty to walk or balance

- Sudden changes in behavior

- Loss of funtion

Providing comfort and pain relief for persons with a memory impairing illness should be a primary focus for the caregivers, physicians and nurses. Effective communication between the caregiver and the physician is paramount to properly caring for these very vulnerable people.

For additional information on memory impairing illness, support groups and other programs contact the Alzheimer's Association of WNY (716)626-0600.

For information regarding ElderWood Senior Care's Memory Care Programs, contact us at (716) 633-3900.