American Pain Society's 27th Annual Scientific Meeting (May 8 – 10, 2008): Effects of Aging and Comorbidity on Pain Processing: Clinical and Pre-Clinical Studies

How advancing age impacts biological systems responsible for the experience of pain represents a major challenge in the field of pain research. Although pain is common among older adults, there is limited understanding of the effects of aging on the processing of nociceptive information and the pain experience across the lifespan. The clinical complexities created by interaction of chronic pain and aging are further compounded in the setting of neurodegenerative disease (ND) (e.g., Alzheimer's disease) and its attendant alterations in descending inhibition. In this workshop Dr. Yezierski will present data related to how thermal sensitivity changes as a function of age in animals ranging in age from 6-30 months. The impact of inflammatory injury and stress at different ages on thermal sensitivity will also be presented. Dr. Riley will present data documenting age-related changes in the experience of pain using two experimental models known to be associated with pain modulation in humans. Several biomarkers associated with pain sensitivity will also be described. Dr. Weiner will present data that examines the impact of pain and cognitive function on pain behavior in community dwelling older adults. She will discuss the clinical implication of these data and present an agenda for future research.