Beyond the sum of their parts: The combined association of dementia and chronic pain with self-care limitations in older Australians

Abstract

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between dementia, chronic pain and self-care limitations. Additionally, the study sought to explore the relationship of co-occurring dementia and chronic pain with self-care limitations.

Methods: Cross-sectional data derived from the Survey of Disability, Ageing and Carers (SDAC) was used to conduct this study. The pooled association between dementia, and chronic pain, with self-care limitations was assessed using ordered logistic regression model. Furthermore, the study also examined the group comparison of interaction effects between co-occurring dementia and chronic pain with self-care limitations.

Results: The ordered logistic regression analysis indicated that people with dementia had significantly higher odds of experiencing greater self-care limitations (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 15.12, 95 % confidence interval [CI]: 12.50-18.29) compared to people without dementia. Similarly, chronic pain was independently associated with increased self-care limitations (aOR: 5.98, 95 % CI: 5.49-6.52) compared to people without chronic pain. Additionally, interaction effect analysis revealed that the co-occurrence of dementia and chronic pain substantially heightened the likelihood of self-care limitations (aOR: 66.54, 95 % CI: 52.27-84.69) relative to people without either condition.

Conclusions: Disability was higher among older Australians with dementia and chronic pain, and this risk can be increased if the two conditions co-exist. A continuous, aligned, and personalised healthcare approach is needed to establish self-care priorities, especially in groups of people with the greatest need.