European journal of pain : EJP
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Age-related alterations in both pain perception and inhibitory functions have been observed, but the relationship between the two in older adults remains unclear. Previous studies were mainly based on behavioural measures which do not allow assessment of underlying neural mechanisms. ⋯ In the healthy elderly, the neuronal circuits of cognitive inhibition and conscious pain control may overlap, and brain regions engaged in response inhibition may be more involved in behavioural response of pain.