IJCEMR

Article http://dx.doi.org/10.26855/ijcemr.2023.10.025

Selection and Use of Pain Assessment Tools for Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease

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Hanyue Deng

University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.

*Corresponding author: Hanyue Deng

Published: November 30,2023

Abstract

Pain in individuals with Alzheimer's disease (AD) is frequently underestimated due to the reliance on a single assessment tool. The aim of this literature review is to summarize the current state of pain in individuals with Alzheimer's disease (AD), critically analyze multiple pain assessment tools, and explore pain assessment tools and methods that are suitable for this population. Self-assessment scales are the preferred method for pain assessment when patients with AD are still capable of self-reporting. Various self-assessment scales, such as the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), Faces Pain Scale (FPS), Horizontal Visual Analog Scale (HVAS), and Verti-cal Visual Analog Scale (VVAS), are generally well understood by patients, including those with severe Alzheimer's disease (AD), with the VAS being particularly effective. Observational pain assessment tools are necessary for patients with Alzheimer's disease who have severe cognitive impairment and communication difficulties. The PACSLAC, PAINAD, and APS are com-monly used observational scales. The PACSLAC and the APS show good reliability. The PAINAD scale demonstrates good interrater reliability and is not influenced by the duration of the assessment. However, it may have limited sensitivity in distinguishing between varying degrees of pain. Other instruments, such as the Doloplus-2, have also been used, but they have shown mixed results in terms of validity and reliability. A multidimensional approach to pain assessment is needed for patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD), and self-assessment scales should be used in addition to observational scales. Further research is needed to develop comprehensive and validated pain assessment methods for patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) in order to enhance the validity and accuracy of pain assessment.

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How to cite this paper

Selection and Use of Pain Assessment Tools for Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease

How to cite this paper: Hanyue Deng. (2023) Selection and Use of Pain Assessment Tools for Patients with Alzheimer’s DiseaseInternational Journal of Clinical and Experimental Medicine Research7(4), 657-662.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.26855/ijcemr.2023.10.025