Despite its widespread familiarity, Dementia is a common condition that is often poorly understood. Many people know that memory loss and cognitive decline are the primary symptoms of Dementia. Fewer realize that the condition can cause muscle pain and rigidity as well. Fox Trail Memory Care Living provides memory care communities and support to residents with Dementia in North and Central New Jersey. Here, we explore the relationship between Dementia and muscle pain, including its causes, treatments, and prevention measures.
What Causes Muscle Rigidity in Dementia?
Muscle pain and stiffness are common concerns for Dementia care residents. According to Mayo Clinic Health System, between 50% and 80% of individuals with moderate to severe Dementia experience pain every day.
There are a variety of possible reasons for this connection. The first is direct causation. Alzheimer’s disease and Dementia cause changes in the brain and its chemistry. These changes affect the balance of norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter that helps the body respond to danger. As norepinephrine levels increase, the pain-relaying cells in the brain become inflamed. This results in pain, inflammation, and stiffness throughout the body.
Another potential cause is related to previous injuries or major surgeries. If a Dementia care resident experienced a tennis elbow injury or had a hip replacement when younger, the site grows increasingly sore as the individual becomes less mobile. With memory loss, the resident may not remember or be able to communicate the reason for their pain.
Identifying Pain in Loved Ones with Dementia
Unfortunately, many individuals don’t receive adequate treatment for Dementia-related muscle pain. This is largely due to a lack of recognition. Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease often minimize facial expressions, making it difficult for caregivers to notice signs of discomfort. In addition, many individuals may lose the ability to tell caregivers what they are experiencing.
Individuals suffering from muscle pain caused by Dementia may react by lashing out. If your loved one screams, curses, or strikes at caregivers, this may be their only way of expressing their discomfort. They may also become more withdrawn and fatigued. Chronic pain can disturb sleep, making it difficult to get a full night’s rest. In all cases, the answer is proper treatment. Your loved one will become more alert and less aggressive once their pain has been relieved.
Muscle Pain Treatment Options
If you suspect that your loved one is suffering from muscle pain, there are a few options for treatment. The most effective approach often combines multiple methods to ensure that your loved one experiences complete relief, including:
- Medication: The right medication may provide fast-acting relief. This approach requires an exact diagnosis to make sure the right medicine is prescribed.
- Massage: Gentle pressure can sometimes reduce discomfort, especially around swollen body parts. Some massage professionals specialize in relieving age-related pain.
- Music: Playing your loved one’s favorite tunes can provide a temporary distraction. It also inspires positive feelings and memories, which can help reduce pain.
- Activity: As with music, activities like games or drawing can provide a much-needed distraction. When your loved one is having fun, they won’t focus on their discomfort.
- Robotic pets: Fox Trail Memory Care Living provides lifelike robotic pets, which pull attention away from pain by giving our residents something else to “care for”.
Finally, don’t underestimate the value of repositioning. People with chronic pain may sit or lie in a single position for long periods to avoid painful body parts. This can actually exacerbate discomfort by creating new aches and pressure sores. Frequent repositioning prevents sores while improving blood flow, which reduces pain throughout the body.
HOPE With Fox Trail Memory Care Living
At Fox Trail Memory Care Living, we are committed to improving the comfort of our residents. We maintain a small resident-to-staff ratio, ensuring that all members of our community receive personal attention. Serious issues like untreated chronic pain don’t get ignored.
We also connect residents with the medical care they need through our HOPE program. HOPE brings medical professionals into our community, including neurologists, physical therapists, and pain management specialists. This allows us to integrate medical services into the day-to-day lives of our residents. Community members receive robust and personalized care without leaving the comfort of a familiar space, ensuring a positive experience with the best possible health outcomes.
Access Dementia Care at Fox Trail Memory Care Living
Individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and Dementia face unique difficulties. Understanding what these are is key to providing the best care. Fox Trail Memory Care Living doesn’t just provide comprehensive amenities for seniors with memory loss; we also educate their families and loved ones to provide better care at home. To learn more about what causes muscle rigidity in Dementia, or to schedule a tour of one of our communities in Northern or Central NJ, contact us today.