Exploring the link between chronic pain and early cognitive decline in older adults
Official title: Addressing the chronic pain-early cognitive decline comorbidity among older adults; The Active Brains study
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11023051 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how chronic pain and memory problems can affect each other in older adults, and it offers a fun program with group activities and digital tools to help manage pain and boost brain health, all while seeing how well it works for participants.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2022 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $582,773 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG075899-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11023051 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults experiencing chronic pain and early signs of cognitive decline.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have chronic pain or cognitive decline may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between chronic pain and early cognitive decline in older adults, focusing on how these two conditions can worsen each other and increase the risk of Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD). The study develops a tailored mind-body activity program that helps participants manage pain and enhance cognitive function through group-based activities and digital monitoring. By using a combination of self-reports and objective measures, the program aims to improve physical, emotional, and cognitive well-being in older adults. Participants will engage in a randomized controlled trial to assess the effectiveness of this innovative approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide older adults with effective strategies to manage chronic pain and cognitive decline, potentially reducing their risk of developing Alzheimer's Disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with similar mind-body interventions, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vranceanu, Ana-Maria — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Vranceanu, Ana-Maria
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Pilot Mindfulness Intervention for Chronic Pain and Early Cognitive Decline in Older Black Adults
A small study tests a mindfulness-based program tailored for older Black adults with chronic pain and early cognitive decline to see if it’s feasible and possibly helpful.
-
Active Brains: a mind-body activity program for older adults with chronic pain and early memory problems
This project offers a virtual group mind-body activity program for older adults with chronic pain and early memory problems to reduce pain, boost activity, and support thinking skills.
-
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.