Effect of Pain and Mild Cognitive Impairment on Mobility

Abstract

Objectives To examine the effect of pain and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) - together and separately - on performance-based and self-reported mobility outcomes in older adults in primary care with mild to moderate self-reported mobility limitations. Design Cross-sectional analysis. Setting Academic community outpatient clinic. Participants Individuals aged 65 and older in primary care enrolled in the Boston Rehabilitative Impairment Study in the Elderly who were at risk of mobility decline (N = 430). Measurements Participants with an average score greater than three on the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) were defined as having pain. MCI was defined using age-adjusted scores on a neuropsychological battery. Multivariable linear regression models assessed associations between pain and MCI, together and separately, and mobility performance (habitual gait speed, Short Physical Performance Battery), and self-reports of function and disability in various day-to-day activities (Late Life Function and Disability Instrument). Results The prevalence of pain was 34% and of MCI was 42%; 17% had pain only, 25% had MCI only, 17% had pain and MCI, and 41% had neither. Participants with pain and MCI performed significantly worse than all others on all mobility outcomes (P