joint pain and Depression For seniors, these are more than just a burden – they can collectively harm brain functioning, especially memory. A new study published in the journal Aging and mental healthsuggests that older adults who experience both chronic joint pain and depression are at greater risk of rapid cognitive decline over time. The study, conducted by Brazilian researcher Patricia Silva Tofani and her team at the Federal University of Sergipe, tracked 4,718 adults aged 50 and older from the English Longitudinal Study of Aging for 12 years. Participants were assessed for joint pain (such as knee or hip pain), symptoms of depression, and cognitive abilities, including memory, language, executive function, and social cognition.

Main findings of the study

Research has found that people struggling with both chronic pain and depression have significantly faster declines in memory and global cognitive performance than those experiencing either condition alone.

Tofani explained that both pain and depression affect the brain’s hippocampus, an area important for memory and cognitive processing. “There is an overlap of information, causing the brain to become ‘congested’, forcing it to reallocate resources to manage pain and depressive symptoms. This, in turn, impairs memory formation and cognitive performance,” she said.

Over 12 years, the combined effects of pain and depression accelerated cognitive decline, especially in memory. However, the study did not find the same effect on executive function, which includes decision making, planning, and carrying out tasks.

why it matters?

Memory and executive function are important for seniors to maintain their independence. Tofani highlights that preserving these cognitive domains is important for older adults to live autonomously. “Memory loss is a major factor that can lead to loss of autonomy, while executive function helps make day-to-day decisions,” he said.

Co-author Tiago da Silva Alexandre said the findings underscore the unique impact of joint conditions. “We did not expect such a clear association between joint pain and depression, which would lead to rapid memory loss. “This reflects the danger of dismissing these symptoms as normal ageing,” he said.

Implications for elder care

The study emphasizes the importance of diagnosing and treating both arthritis-related pain and depression in seniors. Alexandre said many health care professionals often view these symptoms as specific aspects of aging, failing to provide appropriate treatment. “This carelessness not only impairs mood and mobility but also accelerates cognitive decline,” he said.

Early interventions, such as physical therapy for joint pain and counseling or medication for depression, may help slow cognitive decline in affected individuals.

Preventing cognitive decline

It is important to resolve these issues quickly. Simple interventions such as managing joint pain through exercise or physical therapy and treating depression with therapy or medications can make a significant difference in preserving cognitive function.

Senior citizens and their caregivers should also seek specialized care from gerontology or geriatric specialists to comprehensively address these conditions.

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