Investigating pain sensitivity in older adults with Alzheimer's and cancer
Pain Sensitivity and Unpleasantness in People with Alzheimer's Disease and Cancer
This study is looking at how stage 4 breast and prostate cancer affects how older adults with Alzheimer's disease feel and react to pain, with the goal of finding better ways to help manage their pain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Memphis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10631951 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research explores how stage 4 breast and prostate cancer affects pain sensitivity and the unpleasantness of pain in older adults with Alzheimer's disease. By examining the experiences of patients, the study aims to understand how these two conditions interact and impact pain perception. The research will involve measuring responses to thermal and pressure pain to gain insights into how cancer and Alzheimer's disease may alter pain processing. The findings could lead to better pain management strategies for this vulnerable population.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults aged 21 and above who have been diagnosed with stage 4 breast or prostate cancer and Alzheimer's disease.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have Alzheimer's disease or stage 4 cancer may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could improve pain management and quality of life for older adults suffering from both Alzheimer's disease and cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that understanding pain perception in patients with co-occurring conditions can lead to significant improvements in treatment approaches.
Where this research is happening
Memphis, United States
- University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr — Memphis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cowan, Ronald L — University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr
- Study coordinator: Cowan, Ronald L
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 below.