Pain is something every person experiences, but for someone living with dementia, recognizing and communicating pain can become much more complicated. In this episode of Truth, Lies & Alzheimer’s, Lisa talks about the important connection between dementia and pain. She explains why pain is often overlooked in people living with dementia and how caregivers, families, and healthcare professionals can better recognize the signs of discomfort. Because dementia can affect communication, a person may not be able to clearly say, “I am in pain.” Instead, pain may show up through behavior changes, facial expressions, restlessness, withdrawal, changes in sleep or appetite, or even increased agitation. When these signs are misunderstood, pain can sometimes be mistaken for a behavioral symptom of dementia rather than a physical need that should be addressed. Lisa shares practical guidance on what caregivers should look for, how to document changes, and why it is so important to involve the person’s healthcare team when pain is suspected. She also discusses common sources of pain, including arthritis, dental issues, skin discomfort, infections, neuropathy, injuries, and other medical conditions that may be harder to identify when communication is limited. This episode is a compassionate reminder that people living with dementia do feel pain. They may simply express it differently. In This Episode Lisa talks about: Why pain is often under-recognized in people living with dementiaHow dementia can affect a person’s ability to explain or understand painCommon causes of pain, including arthritis, dental problems, infections, pressure sores, neuropathy, and injuriesNonverbal signs of pain, such as grimacing, guarding, restlessness, withdrawal, moaning, or changes in moodWhy agitation, aggression, or sudden behavior changes may sometimes be signs of discomfortThe importance of documenting changes in sleep, appetite, movement, mood, and daily routinesHow caregivers can use simple questions, visual cues, and observation to better understand painComfort-focused strategies such as positioning, warm or cold compresses, gentle movement, supportive seating, and predictable routinesWhy pain management should always involve the person’s physician or healthcare teamThe importance of dignity, compassion, and ongoing reassessment as dementia progresses Key Takeaway Pain does not disappear because someone has dementia. When a person can no longer clearly communicate what hurts, caregivers must learn to listen in new ways. Facial expressions, body language, behavior changes, sleep disruption, appetite changes, and resistance to care can all be important clues. By paying close attention, documenting changes, and working with the healthcare team, families and caregivers can help reduce suffering, improve comfort, and protect the dignity of the person living with dementia. Caregiver Reminder If you notice sudden changes in behavior, mood, movement, appetite, sleep, or personal care tolerance, do not assume it is “just the dementia.” Pain, infection, injury, medication side effects, or another health concern may be involved. When in doubt, document what you are seeing and contact the person’s healthcare provider. Tune in to this episode of Truth, Lies & Alzheimer’s as Lisa helps families and caregivers better understand dementia and pain, recognize the signs of discomfort, and respond with compassion, patience, and informed care. Visit our Website - https://www.mindingdementiasummit.com/ About the Host: Author Lisa Skinner is a behavioral specialist with expertise in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia. In her 30+year career working with family members and caregivers, Lisa has taught them how to successfully navigate the many challenges that accompany this heartbreaking disease. Lisa is both a Certified Dementia Practitioner and is also a certified dementia care trainer through the Alzheimer’s Association. She also holds a degree in Human Behavior. Her latest book, “Truth, Lies & Alzheimer’s – Its Secret Faces” continues Lisa’s quest of working with dementia-related illnesses and teaching families and caregivers how to better understand the daunting challenges of brain disease. Her #1 Best-seller book “Not All Who Wander Need Be Lost,” was written at their urging. As someone who has had eight family members diagnosed with dementia, Lisa Skinner has found her calling in helping others through the struggle so they can have a better-quality relationship with their loved ones through education and through her workshops on counter-intuitive solutions and tools to help people effectively manage the symptoms of brain disease. Lisa Skinner has appeared on many national and regional media broadcasts. Lisa helps explain behaviors caused by dementia, encourages those who feel burdened, and gives practical advice for how to respond. So many people today are heavily impacted by Alzheimer's disease and related dementia. The Alzheimer's Association and the World Health Organization have projected that the number of people who will develop Alzheimer's disease by the year 2050 worldwide will triple if a treatment or cure is not found. Society is not prepared to care for the projected increase of people who will develop this devastating disease. In her 30 years of working with family members and caregivers who suffer from dementia, Lisa has recognized how little people really understand the complexities of what living with this disease is really like. For Lisa, it starts with knowledge, education, and training. Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below! Subscribe to the podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app. Leave us an Apple Podcasts review Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.
