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Review
. 2017 Apr 21:12:709-720.
doi: 10.2147/CIA.S113576. eCollection 2017.

Depression and chronic pain in the elderly: links and management challenges

Panagiotis Zis  1 , Argyro Daskalaki  2 , Ilia Bountouni  3 , Panagiota Sykioti  3 , Giustino Varrassi  4 , Antonella Paladini  5
Affiliations
Review

Depression and chronic pain in the elderly: links and management challenges

Panagiotis Zis et al. Clin Interv Aging. .

Abstract

Aging is an inevitable process and represents the accumulation of bodily alterations over time. Depression and chronic pain are highly prevalent in elderly populations. It is estimated that 13% of the elderly population will suffer simultaneously from the two conditions. Accumulating evidence suggests than neuroinflammation plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of both depression and chronic pain. Apart from the common pathophysiological mechanisms, however, the two entities have several clinical links. Their management is challenging for the pain physician; however, both pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic approaches are available and can be used when the two conditions are comorbid in the elderly patients.

Keywords: chronic pain; cognitive impairment; depression; elderly; neuroinflammation; pain.

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Conflict of interest statement

Disclosure The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
The differences between normal and “primed” microglia consist of an increased sensibility of the latter to any kind of stimulation. The consequence is an increased production of cytokines. Note: Copyright, with permission from Pain Nursing Magazine, Fusco M, Paladini A, Skaper SD, Varrassi G. Chronic and neuropathic pain syndrome in the elderly: Pathophysiological basis and perspectives for a rational therapy. Pain Nursing Magazine. 2014;3:94–104.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Relationship between chronic pain and depression, and the vicious cycle existing between the two pathologies.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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