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Joint pain and depression are more than just burdens for seniors—they may collectively harm brain function, particularly memory. A new study, published in the journal Ageing and Mental Health, reveals that older adults experiencing both chronic joint pain and depression are at higher risk of faster 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 above from the English Longitudinal Study of Aging for 12 years. Participants were assessed for joint pain (like knee or hip pain), symptoms of depression, and cognitive abilities, including memory, language, executive function, and social cognition.

Key Findings Of Study

The research found that people dealing with both chronic pain and depression have a significantly faster decline in memory and global cognitive performance compared to those experiencing either condition alone.

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

Over the 12 years, the combined effects of pain and depression accelerated cognitive decline, particularly in memory. However, the study did not find a similar impact on executive function, which involves decision-making, planning, and carrying out actions.

Why It Matters?

Memory and executive function are vital for seniors to maintain their independence. Tofani highlighted that preserving these cognitive domains is crucial for older adults to live autonomously. “Memory loss is a key factor that can lead to a loss of autonomy, while executive function helps in day-to-day decision-making,” she noted.

Co-author Tiago da Silva Alexandre added that the findings underscore the unique impact of the combined conditions. “We didn’t expect such a clear association between joint pain and depression leading to faster memory impairment. This shows the danger of dismissing these symptoms as normal ageing,” he said.

Implications for Elderly Care

The study emphasizes the importance of diagnosing and treating both arthritis-related pain and depression in seniors. Alexandre noted that many healthcare professionals often view these symptoms as typical aspects of ageing, failing to provide proper treatment. “This oversight not only worsens mood and mobility but also accelerates cognitive decline,” he said.

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

Preventing Cognitive Decline

Addressing these issues early is vital. Simple interventions like managing joint pain through exercise or physical therapy and treating depression with therapy or medications can make a significant difference in preserving cognitive function.

Seniors and their caregivers should also seek out specialized care from gerontology or geriatrics experts to ensure these conditions are addressed comprehensively.

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