Chronic pain is highly prevalent in older adults, contributes to activity restriction and social isolation, disrupts family and interpersonal relationships, and poses a significant economic burden to society. Negative emotions such as sadness, anxiety, helplessness, and hopelessness are associated with
chronic pain and contribute to poor quality of life, impaired interpersonal and social functioning, and increased disability. Psychosocial interventions for older adults with
chronic pain have been historically developed for, and are almost exclusively delivered to, cognitively intact patients. Therefore, many older adults with
chronic pain and comorbid cognitive deficits have limited treatment options. Our multidisciplinary team developed Problem Adaptation
Therapy for
Pain in Primary Care (PATH-
Pain), a psychosocial intervention for older adults with
chronic pain, negative emotions, and a wide range of cognitive functioning, including mild-to-moderate
cognitive impairment. In the current article, we describe the principles underlying PATH-
Pain, review the steps taken to adapt the original PATH protocol, outline the treatment process, and present a case illustrating its potential value.