Pain and its relation to cognitive function and depressive symptoms: A Swedish population study of 70-year-old men and women

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of pain and its characteristics, and to examine the association of pain with cognitive function and depressive symptoms, in a representative sample of 70-year-old men and women. Data were collected within the gerontological and geriatric population studies in Göteborg, Sweden (H-70). A sample of 124 men and 117 women living in the community took part in the study. A questionnaire was applied which included four different aspects of pain experience: prevalence, frequency of episodes of pain, duration and number of locations. In close connection to this, depressive symptoms were assessed using the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale. The prevalence of pain during the last 14 days was higher in women (79%; n=91) than in men (53%; n=65) (P<0.001). Women (68%; n=78) also reported pain that had lasted for >6 months to a greater extent than men (38%; n=46) (P<0.001). The frequency of episodes of pain was also higher among women, 64% (n=74) reporting daily pain or pain several days during the last 14 days while 37% of the men (n=45) did so (P<0.001). Women (33%, n=38) also reported pain experience from >/=3 locations more often than men (11%; n=13) (P<0.001). On the other hand, the association between depressive symptoms and pain experience was more evident in men than in women. Women were taking significantly more antidepressants compared to men (P<0.03). The results show that pain is common in 70-year-old people and especially in women. However, associations between depressive symptoms and the four aspects of pain experience were more pronounced among men.

Secular trends in diet among elderly Swedes – cohort comparisons over three decades

“…This decrease in participation with time is consistent with the results of other population-based surveys in the elderly over recent decades 20 . However, non-participant analyses have not revealed major biases, and we judge the effects of changing participation on the secular dietary trends described here to be minor 21 . Nevertheless, it is possible that the later examinations captured a more selfselected and healthier cohort, which could theoretically explain some of the apparent dietary improvements.…”

Chronic pain, depression symptoms and daily living independency level among geriatrics in nursing home

“…[5] In contrast, Iliffe et al reported that pain frequency and severity were not significantly associated with a depressive mood. [28] In the current study, depression was significantly related to pain, and conversely, the elderly with chronic pain had depression symptoms.…”

“…[22,23] Depression has been reported to be a common problem in the geriatric population living in nursing homes, and has been shown to be associated with chronic pain. [5,[24][25][26] Bair et al demonstrated that moderate to severe pain was associated with more depressive symptoms and worse depression outcomes. [24] A study by Ohayon et al also showed chronic pain was associated with a higher severity of depression, longer episode duration, and a greater likelihood of certain depressive symptoms.…”

“…[4] Berg et al also reported that depression is associated with the severity of pain. [5] Thus far, most depression and pain studies have either been crosssectional or have assessed the prognostic value of depression for poor pain outcomes.…”

Obesity in 70-year-old Swedes: Secular changes over 30 years

“…Both groups were similar with respect to self-rated health, history of myocardial infarction, smoking and diabetes, although married men were significantly overrepresented among participating men. 25 …”