PATH-Pain: A Primary Care-Based Psychosocial Intervention To Improve Cognitive and Depression Outcomes in Older Adults With MCI and Early Stage AD
The purpose of the study is to examine the effect of Problem Adaptation Therapy for Pain (PATH-Pain) on cognitive functioning, depression and pain-related disability in 100 older adults with cognitive impairment, chronic pain, and depression. The study will test if PATH-Pain has better cognitive, affective, and functional outcomes than Attention Control Usual Care.
• Age ≥ 60 years old
• MCI or early stage probable or possible AD diagnosis (as defined by Albert et al or McKhann et al) al). Patients will have at least mild cognitive deficits defined by 16 ≤ MoCA ≤ 25.
• Montgomery Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS)\[55\] total ≥ 5, which reflects at least some mild depressive symptoms.
• Participants will be off antidepressants, cholinesterase inhibitors or memantine or on a stable dosage for at least 12 weeks.
• Chronic pain (neuropathic, nociceptive or mixed disorders): presence of pain on most days for at least 3 months and average pain intensity score \>=4.
• Clinical Dementia Rating 0.5 ≤ (CDR) ≤ 1.
• Participant will have capacity to consent.
• Participation of a study partner (e.g. caregiver/family member/significant other) is required.