Background and aims. The population of elderly, with diminished functional ability, is characterized by polymorbidity, polytherapy and psycho-social changes. High prevalence of chronic pain is recognized. The aim of the study was to analyze association of long lasting pain with degree of functional disability in the elderly.

Methods. Descriptive-analytical study was performed. Data has been obtained interviewing randomly selected elderly patients. The applied questionnaire covered the items of pain assessment and Functional Status Index test. 

Results. The study population, N=203 (179/24 pts, with and without pain, respectively) of older patients (Mean±St.dev, 78.80±8.34 y), displayed high dependence on a devices/other person help in performing activity of daily living, ADL (moving, using hands, personal care) and instrumental activity of daily living, IADL (interpersonal activities, home chores). Patients with pain (PP, N=179), had pain diagnoses classified as Relatively Generalized Syndromes, 38.9%; Localized Syndromes of Lower Limbs, 24.4%; Spinal or radicular pain syndromes of lumbal, sacral or coccigeal region, 12.7%. PP performed better functional ability in performing activity of ADL and IADL, p<0.001. There were no other differences between observed groups, except in a place of living in childhood. Different to urban population of patients without pain, PP grown up in rural area, p<0.04. Entities, such as, marital status and gender differences in late life, attract attention, p=0.05. 

Conclusions. Multiple factors influence both functional ability and chronic pain in the elderly. Complexity of ageing requires detailed personalized assessment of pain, overall health, psycho-social and environmental entities in the aim of accurate pain management strategies.

CHRONIC PAIN IN THE ELDERLY WITH TOTAL FUNCTIONAL DISABILITY