The Role of C-Reactive Protein in the Pain and Cognition Relationship

Chronic pain is frequently reported by older adults and is associated with systemic inflammation.1 Cross-sectional and longitudinal studies show that chronic pain—especially severe pain—is associated with worse cognitive function in older adults.2,3 A weak association between elevated levels of peripheral C-reactive protein (CRP) and cognitive decline has been shown in the general population.4 Animal studies suggest that inflammation is one of the mechanisms through which pain influences cognitive impairment.