Chronic Pain and Alzheimer's Disease
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The impact of chronic pain caused by arthritis on cognitive function for individuals living with Alzheimer's disease.
IRAS ID
255796
Contact name
Sarra Blackman
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Bradford
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 3 months, 25 days
Research summary
The objective of the study is to consider the impact of chronic pain as a result of arthritis on cognitive functioning in individuals experiencing cognitive decline as a result of Alzheimer’s disease. This is a preliminary study to ascertain if further research into the impact of chronic pain in dementia is required. This phenomenon is widely documented in the general population but there is very little in the field of dementia studies.
It is widely accepted that chronic pain results in behavioural and psychological distress in individuals living with dementia but it is not clear why. The current treatments utilised have significant associated risks such as increased risk of falls and increased risk of stroke. Therefore the longer-term goal is to improve quality of life for this patient group by enhancing pain control. In order to achieve this it is first important to understand the relationship between chronic pain and cognitive function.
Participants will be recruited through Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust Research and Development Department. There will be 30 participants in total divided equally into three groups. The experimental group will contain participants diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and arthritis and the control groups will contain participants with Alzheimer's disease only and arthritis only. Participants will undergo three study meetings where they will complete subjective pain reports and cognitive assessments. The first visit will last approximately 60 minutes with the two further study visits approximately 45 minutes each. The research meetings will take part in the participants' home to ensure maximum comfort.
If the hypothesis is supported, it would suggest that further research into this area is required. The dissemination of research findings will be important. This is to ensure that clinicians are aware of the impact of chronic pain on cognitive function and implement the study recommendations into their practice.REC name
North West - Preston Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
20/NW/0046
Date of REC Opinion
2 Mar 2020
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion