In people (aged 45 years or older), chronic musculoskeletal pain is associated with both dementia and cognitive function.

Using data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study, this research was performed to explore the link between pain in the musculoskeletal system and cognitive decline risk scores across varied pain sites and durations.

This comprehensive investigation recruited individuals aged 45 and above. Among the participants, 10,759 with detailed baseline pain information qualified for cross-sectional analysis, and 5,855 were eligible for longitudinal analyses. Leveraging the Rotterdam Study Basic Dementia Risk Model (BDRM), the research team assessed cognitive decline risk. Using advanced statistical methods, particularly generalized estimating equations, the study delved into the connection between musculoskeletal pain and the risk of dementia.

Volunteers experiencing chronic musculoskeletal pain (standardized, β = 0.83; 95 % CI: 0.06, 1.61 ), multisite pain (≥5 sites, β = 1.52; 95 % CI: 0.13, 2.91), neck pain (β = 2.33; 95 % CI: 0.41, 4.25), back pain (β = 2.12; 95 % CI: 0.43, 3.82), waist pain (β = 1.09; 95 % CI: 0.07, 2.11), shoulder pain (β = 1.74; 95 % CI: 0.46, 3.02), wrist pain (β = 2.72; 95 % CI: 0.42, 5.02), and knee pain (β = 1.91; 95 % CI: 0.70, 3.13) demonstrated elevated BDRM scores over a 4-year follow-up period compared to those without persistent musculoskeletal pain.

This scrutiny suggests an association between enduring musculoskeletal discomfort and increased dementia risk scores, as well as an influence on cognitive function. Promoting the proficient treatment of musculoskeletal pain has the potential to be advantageous in curtailing the dementia risk score.