2020 Volume 27 Issue 1 Pages 21-26
Background: The zoster-associated pain (ZAP) is often prolonged with various treatments in older adults, but details of the cognitive function are still unclear. Methods: In this study, we retrospectively investigated the relationship between the treatment and cognitive function in older adults with ZAP. The cognitive function was evaluated with the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Hasegawa's dementia scale-revised (HDS-R). Results: In 30 patients aged 79 (65–89) [median (range)], MMSE and HDS-R scores were 25 (17–30) and 25 (11–30), respectively, at the first visit. One month later, NRS, MMSE, HDS-R scores significantly improved (all p＜0.001). There was a significant positive correlation between HDS-R and disease duration (p＝0.022, rs＝0.418), and between MMSE or HDS-R and pregabalin consumption (MMSE; p＝0.021, rs＝0.458, HDS-R; p＜0.001, rs＝0.652). There was a negative correlation between MMSE scores and opioid consumption (p＝0.018, rs＝0.470), and no significant correlation in the nerve blocks. Conclusion: Our study suggests that the cognitive function in older adults with ZAP is impaired in the acute phase and with opioid treatment, and it is improved with pregabalin treatment.
