Skip to content
Healthy Aging Hub

:

Articles related to focusing on healthy aging, prevention, mobility, cognition, nutrition, independence, and caregiving support.

4 min

What tool should you use to assess pain in your 80 year old patient with severe dementia?

According to the Alzheimer's Association, up to 80% of people with moderate to severe dementia experience pain regularly, yet it often goes unrecognized and untreated. A critical step in providing quality care is knowing what tool should you use to assess pain in your 80 year old patient with severe dementia. The most effective method is through careful observation using a specialized behavioral scale designed for non-verbal individuals.

Read Healthy Aging
4 min

What pain scale is used for dementia patients? The PAINAD and Abbey Pain Scales

According to the American Geriatrics Society, pain is often under-treated in older adults, especially those with severe dementia, and assessing pain in this population can be challenging since they may not be able to verbally express their discomfort. This is precisely why specialized observational tools are crucial, and the question of what pain scale is used for dementia patients is critical for ensuring proper care.

Read Healthy Aging