West Barnstable dietitian Joan Trimble examines chronic pain and dementia in today's WXTK Better Health Report.
You know, during allergy season I often find myself having trouble concentrating and then I realize that I have a headache. But could these headaches be causing me harm?
A new study done by the University of California San Francisco found that there is an association between chronic pain and dementia risk.
The study looked at around 10000 people over the age of 60 and found that people who had daily moderate or severe pain showed more than a 9 percent faster decline in memory scores over a 10 year period.
The memory decline was significant enough to cause problems paying bills or keep track of medications.
The risk was small but significant.
The study authors note that 1 in 3 older people suffer from chronic pain, so understanding the link between pain and cognitive decline may be a first step in finding ways to reduce risk in this population.
So if you’re having problems with chronic pain, be sure to tell your doctor about it. I’m using prescription allergy drops now and my headaches are greatly improved.
This is Joan Trimble wishing you wellness.