What Do We Know About the Treatment of Pain for Individuals Living With Dementia?

I commonly assess and treat symptoms of pain in individuals living with dementia in my clinical practice. The treatment plans that I develop are typically guided by the following three elements: 1) An assessment process to identify the type, intensity, and behavioral and functional manifestations of pain. 2) A review of the effectiveness and adverse consequences of past treatment for pain. 3) A discussion of the potential benefits and risks of the proposed treatment with the patient (when appropriate) and family/medical decision maker.