The Relationship Between Psychological Distress and Mild Cognitive Impairment in Elderly Patients with Chronic Lower Back Pain

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 33 views

The Relationship Between Psychological Distress and Mild Cognitive Impairment in Elderly Patients with Chronic Lower Back Pain

Introduction

Chronic lower back pain is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide, and it is often associated with various psychological and cognitive disorders. One of the most significant concerns is the development of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in elderly patients with chronic lower back pain. MCI is a condition characterized by a decline in cognitive function that is not severe enough to be diagnosed as dementia. However, it can significantly impact an individual's quality of life and increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.

Research has shown that chronic psychological disorders are associated with a decline in cognitive function and an increased risk of dementia in the elderly. This study aims to investigate the relationship between psychological distress and mild cognitive impairment in elderly patients with chronic lower back pain. By understanding this relationship, healthcare providers can develop effective strategies to prevent and manage MCI in this population.

Background

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide, and it is often associated with various psychological and cognitive disorders. Research has shown that chronic psychological disorders, such as depression and anxiety, are associated with a decline in cognitive function and an increased risk of dementia in the elderly. This study aims to investigate the relationship between psychological distress and mild cognitive impairment in elderly patients with chronic lower back pain.

Chronic lower back pain is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide, and it is often associated with various psychological and cognitive disorders. The pain and discomfort associated with chronic lower back pain can lead to sleep disorders, decreased mobility, and social isolation, which in turn can worsen psychological disorders and accelerate cognitive decline.

Methodology

This study involved 30 patients with chronic lower back pain who were recruited from a local hospital. The patients were administered the neuroticism scale questionnaire from the Neo Five Factor Inventory, the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), and the Clock Drawing Test (CDT). The neuroticism scale questionnaire was used to assess the patients' level of psychological distress, while the MMSE and CDT were used to assess their cognitive function.

The patients were excluded from the study if they had any of the following conditions: illiteracy, affasion, diseases that affect cognitive function such as stroke, epilepsy, mental disorders, and inability to communicate in Indonesian. The study used the Spearman correlation test to analyze the data and determine the relationship between psychological distress and mild cognitive impairment.

Results

The results of the study showed that there was a significant correlation between the score of psychological disorders and MMSE (p <0.001). This suggests that a higher level of psychological distress is associated with a decline in cognitive function. Additionally, the study found a significant correlation between the score of psychological disorders and CDT (P <0.001). This suggests that a higher level of psychological distress is also associated with a decline in cognitive function, as measured by the CDT.

The average psychological, MMSE, and CDT scores were 26.33, 24.00, and 3.00, respectively. These results suggest that the patients in the study had a moderate level of psychological distress and a decline in cognitive function.

Conclusion

This study provides additional evidence of the relationship between psychological disorders and cognitive decline in the elderly. The results of the study suggest that a higher level of psychological distress is associated with a decline in cognitive function in elderly patients with chronic lower back pain. This finding emphasizes the importance of managing psychological disorders in the elderly, especially those who experience chronic lower back pain, as an early prevention effort to decreased cognitive function and the possibility of developing dementia.

Deeper Analysis

This study provides additional evidence of the relationship between psychological disorders and cognitive decline in the elderly. Chronic lower back pain is an additional risk factor that needs attention. This condition can cause sleep disorders, decreased mobility, and social isolation, which in turn can worsen psychological disorders and accelerate cognitive decline.

The results of the study suggest that a higher level of psychological distress is associated with a decline in cognitive function in elderly patients with chronic lower back pain. This finding emphasizes the importance of managing psychological disorders in the elderly, especially those who experience chronic lower back pain, as an early prevention effort to decreased cognitive function and the possibility of developing dementia.

Recommendation

It is essential to increase awareness about the relationship between psychological disorders and cognitive decline in the elderly. This can be done through an educational campaign and the provision of mental health services that are more easily accessible. Increasing access to cognitive-behavioral therapy, group therapy, and social support can help in managing psychological disorders and maintaining cognitive health in the elderly.

Limitations

This study only involved 30 patients and needed further research with a larger scale to confirm this finding. In addition, other factors that can affect cognitive decline in the elderly, such as lifestyle, nutritional status, and medical history, need to be considered in further research.

Future Directions

Future studies should investigate the relationship between psychological disorders and cognitive decline in the elderly with chronic lower back pain. Additionally, studies should explore the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy, group therapy, and social support in managing psychological disorders and maintaining cognitive health in the elderly.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study provides additional evidence of the relationship between psychological disorders and cognitive decline in the elderly. The results of the study suggest that a higher level of psychological distress is associated with a decline in cognitive function in elderly patients with chronic lower back pain. This finding emphasizes the importance of managing psychological disorders in the elderly, especially those who experience chronic lower back pain, as an early prevention effort to decreased cognitive function and the possibility of developing dementia.
Frequently Asked Questions: The Relationship Between Psychological Distress and Mild Cognitive Impairment in Elderly Patients with Chronic Lower Back Pain

Q: What is mild cognitive impairment (MCI)?

A: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a condition characterized by a decline in cognitive function that is not severe enough to be diagnosed as dementia. It can affect memory, language, thinking, and judgment.

Q: What is the relationship between psychological distress and MCI in elderly patients with chronic lower back pain?

A: Research has shown that chronic psychological disorders, such as depression and anxiety, are associated with a decline in cognitive function and an increased risk of dementia in the elderly. This study found that a higher level of psychological distress is associated with a decline in cognitive function in elderly patients with chronic lower back pain.

Q: What are the symptoms of MCI?

A: The symptoms of MCI can vary from person to person, but common symptoms include:

Memory loss
Difficulty with language
Trouble with thinking and judgment
Difficulty with problem-solving
Mood changes

Q: How is MCI diagnosed?

A: MCI is diagnosed through a combination of medical history, physical examination, and cognitive tests. The Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Clock Drawing Test (CDT) are commonly used to assess cognitive function.

Q: What are the risk factors for MCI?

A: The risk factors for MCI include:

Age
Family history of dementia
Chronic psychological disorders
Chronic medical conditions
Social isolation
Lack of physical activity

Q: How can MCI be prevented or managed?

A: MCI can be prevented or managed through a combination of lifestyle changes and medical treatment. This includes:

Regular exercise
A healthy diet
Stress management
Cognitive training
Medications to manage chronic psychological disorders

Q: What is the role of healthcare providers in managing MCI?

A: Healthcare providers play a crucial role in managing MCI. They can:

Assess cognitive function and diagnose MCI
Develop a treatment plan to manage chronic psychological disorders
Provide education and support to patients and their families
Refer patients to specialists, such as geriatricians or neuropsychologists

Q: What are the implications of this study for healthcare providers and patients?

A: This study highlights the importance of managing chronic psychological disorders in elderly patients with chronic lower back pain. Healthcare providers should:

Assess patients for chronic psychological disorders
Develop a treatment plan to manage chronic psychological disorders
Educate patients and their families about the risks of MCI
Provide support and resources to patients and their families

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: This study had a small sample size and was limited to patients with chronic lower back pain. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and to explore the relationship between psychological distress and MCI in other populations.

Q: What are the future directions for research on MCI?

A: Future research should focus on:

Exploring the relationship between psychological distress and MCI in other populations
Developing effective treatments for MCI
Investigating the role of lifestyle changes and medical treatment in preventing or managing MCI
Developing educational programs and resources for patients and their families.