Investigating the interrelated roles of pain and cultural factors on cognitive task performance among patients living with vascular dementia

This thesis examines the intricate relationship between pain and cultural factors on cognitive task performance in individuals with Vascular Dementia. Vascular Dementia, a common form of dementia resulting from reduced blood flow to the brain, is characterised by cognitive impairments, executive function deficits, and behavioural and psychological symptoms. Chronic pain, a prevalent condition among individuals with Vascular Dementia, is often underdiagnosed due to communication difficulties resulting from cognitive decline. This issue is further compounded by the interplay of cultural factors, which significantly influence how individuals perceive and express pain. While chronic pain is well-documented to negatively impact cognitive functions, research exploring the complex relationship between pain, cultural factors, and cognitive impairment in this population remains limited. Adopting a positivistic and realist epistemological stance, a correlational design was employed. Data were collected from participants with Vascular Dementia using self-report questionnaires, observational pain assessments, and cognitive tasks, including the Trail Making Test and N-Back tasks. Individualism was assessed using Hofstede’s Values Survey Module, and intercultural communication via Personal Report of Intercultural Communication Apprehension. The findings reveal complex interactions between pain, culture, and cognition in individuals with Vascular Dementia. Findings revealed that the links between pain and cognition varied depending on the task. For instance, sensory pain was associated with slower responses on simpler tasks but fewer errors on complex ones. On the other hand, visual analogue scale pain predicted faster reaction times. Chronic pain effects were influenced by task difficulty, while post-traumatic stress disorder predicted chronic pain. Individualism as a cultural orientation was not significantly associated with pain, cognition, or intercultural communication apprehension. These findings underscore the complex interplay between pain, culture, and cognition in Vascular Dementia, advocating for comprehensive, culturally informed pain management and cognitive support strategies. Future research should further explore these dimensions to improve care for individuals with Vascular Dementia.

Name dc:type.qualificationname

PhD

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

University of Wolverhampton

Year dc:date.issued

2025

Author dc:creator

• Taqdees, Rimsha

Advisors dc:contributor.advisor

• Mercer, Tom
• Taiwo, Abigail

• chronic pain
• cognitive function
• vascular dementia
• cultural factors
• pain assessment in dementia
• pain and cognition interaction
• pain communication in healthcare

Licence

• https://wlv.openrepository.com/bitstreams/871a8862-3fdd-4b60-8f99-527f8e8651b8/download