Pain and agitation in dementia: a review of the literature

Abstract

-Between 30-60% of residents of nursing homes with late stage dementia suffer with pain daily and this is thought to be due to the inability to communicate their needs. The purpose of this literature review is to analyse research to identify if there are links between pain and agitation. Three themes emerged when analysing the papers in relation to links with pain and agitation: -behavioural change that could be associated with pain, undertreating of pain and pain assessment tools. Drawing upon the findings it can be suggested that pain could be a factor that is associated with agitated behaviour, however, there needs to be further research that determines cause and effect.