Effects of tDCS on Pain in Older Adults with Alzheimer's Disease
Author Information
Author(s): Lee Chiyoung, Park Juyoung, Fain Mindy, Galvin James, Ahn Hyochol
Primary Institution: University of Arizona
Hypothesis
Does transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) effectively reduce pain in older adults with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias?
Conclusion
tDCS has immediate and lasting effects on reducing pain in older adults with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
Supporting Evidence
- Active group participants with 'high pain' had a 47.1% probability of transitioning to 'low pain' immediately after the intervention.
- No transition was observed in the sham group.
- At 1-month follow-up, active group participants with 'high pain' had a 58.4% likelihood of transitioning to 'low pain' by 3 months post-intervention.
Takeaway
This study found that a special treatment called tDCS can help older people with Alzheimer's feel less pain, both right after the treatment and even a month later.
Methodology
Participants were randomly assigned to receive either active or sham tDCS for 20 minutes over 5 consecutive days, with pain assessed using NRS and MOBID-2 scales.
Participant Demographics
Older adults with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
Statistical Information
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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