Oftentimes dementia patients don't even realize that they are experiencing low-level pain, which prevents them from being willing to participate in activities. However, patients who are routinely given pain medication often become more interested in activities.

I noticed this syndrome in both of my parents, and with their doctor's permission we experimented with a variety of over-the-counter pain medications. On the days they received the medication, I was able to get them to take more of...