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This study examined whether pain is associated with subjective memory problems or cognition in Puerto Rican older adults. Participants came from the Puerto Rican Elderly Health Conditions (PREHCO) study, aged 60 and over ( n  = 2,144). Analyses examined concurrent and longitudinal associations of pain with subjective memory problems and cognition using a cognitive screener. Overall, participants with pain were more likely to report concurrent subjective memory problems than those without pain. Older adults with pain also exhibited slightly lower concurrent cognition. Novel pain was associated with cognitive decline and greater likelihood of incident subjective memory problems at follow-up. Persistent pain was only related to incident subjective memory problems at follow-up. Pain is associated with cognitive decline and subjective memory problems in older Puerto Ricans. Future studies should implement more in-depth neuropsychological assessments and examine the potential role of barriers to pain management in this population.

David E Vance,1 Pariya L Fazeli,1 Shameka L Cody,1 Tyler R Bell,2 Caitlin Northcutt Pope,3 1Department of Acute, Chronic and Continuing Care, School of Nursing, 2Lifespan Developmental Psychology Program, 3Department of Psychology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA Abstract: For centuries, since the advent of harnessing magnetic and electrical energies, humans have been applying such energies to various body parts, including the brain, with the goal of improving health. Advancements over the past 2 decades in the production and affordability of such devices that precisely deliver such energies have resulted in novel therapeutic uses. One technique in particular, transcranial direct current stimulation, uses electrodes placed on the scalp to deliver a low electrical current to various areas on the surface of the neocortex. Such electrical currents stimulate neurons, which depending on the area of the neocortex it is applied and certain stimulation parameters, can either excite or inhibit certain functions within the brain that may result in alterations in mood, cognition, and behavior. This article provides an overview of this approach, explains how it is used, describes the hypothesized neurobiomechanisms involved, and explores its therapeutic potential. From this overview, implications for nursing practice and innovative uses for nursing research are posited. Keywords: tDCS, mood, cognition, electrical stimulation, cognitive training, depression