What If Pain Could Speak: Recognizing and Alleviating Hidden Pain in Dementia

Send us Fan MailWhat if the “behavior problems” we see in people living with dementia are actually signs of pain?Host Dana Rampolla speaks with Barbara Resnick, PhD, RN, CRNP, FAAN, FAANP, Distinguished University Professor and associate dean of research at the University of Maryland School of Nursing who is an expert in aging and long-term care, about how pain often goes unrecognized in people with dementia. Because they may struggle to communicate discomfort, pain can show up as agitation, withdrawal, resistance to care, or sudden changes in appetite and engagement. These behaviors are sometimes misunderstood and treated with sedating medications instead of addressing the root cause.Resnick explains what caregivers and clinicians should watch for, from facial expressions and lashing out to subtle shifts in participation and mood. Health care professionals can learn more about pain management in long-term care settings in this Clinical Practice Guide co-authored by Resnick: https://www.jamda.com/article/S1525-8610(21)00911-7/fulltextChapters00:00 Pain Without Words00:28 Meet Dr. Resnick02:36 Why Pain Gets Missed06:15 The Vicious Cycle07:28 Signs to Watch For08:55 Find the Root Cause10:40 Guidelines in Nursing Homes11:37 Non-Drug Pain Relief15:36 Questions for Care Teams17:30 Key Takeaways19:06 Why She Does This Work20:55 NIH Study in Practice22:56 Closing CreditsListen to The UMB Pulse on Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, and wherever you like to listen. The UMB Pulse is also now on YouTube.Visit our website at umaryland.edu/pulse or email us at [email protected].