Dementia

Patients with dementia have increased risk for caries, periodontal disease, and oral infections.

Caries and Periodontitis

 B. J. Brown, RDH, MS
B. J. Brown, RDH, MS

Contributing factors to oral problems include:

  • Self-care deficits
  • Chronic disease burden
  • Dietary changes
  • Difficulty complying with:
    • Medications
    • Oral hygiene
    • Dental appointments

 

  • Dependence on caregivers
  • Behavioral changes
  • Postural impairments
  • Swallowing difficulty
  • Lack of understanding leading to resistance to care

References

Friedlander et al. Alzheimer's disease: psychopathology, medical management and dental implications. J Am Dent Assoc. 2006; 137(9): 1240-51.

Henry RG, Smith BJ, Managing older patients who have neurologic disease: Alzheimer disease and cerebrovascular accident. Dent Clin North Am. 2009; 53(2): 269-94.

McCreary C, Ní Ríordáin R, Systemic diseases and the elderly. Dentistry Update. 2010; 37(9): 604-7.

Noble JM et al. Periodontitis is associated with cognitive impairment among older adults: analysis of NHANES –III. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 2009; 80: 1206-11.

Stein PS, Tooth loss, dementia, and neuropathology in the Nun study, Journal of the American Dental Association. 2007; 138(10): 1314-1322.

Stein PS et al. Tooth loss, apolipoprotient E, and decline in delayed word recall. J Dent Research. 2010; 89(5): 473-7.

Stewart R, et al. Oral Health and Cognitive Function in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III), Psychosomatic Medicine. 2008; 70: 936-94.

Turner et al. Drug therapy in Alzheimer's disease: an update for the oral health care provider. Oral Surg, Oral Med, Oral Pathol, Oral Radiol, Endod. 2008; 106(4): 467-76.

Brennan LJ, Strauss J, Cognitive Impairment in Older Adults and Oral Health Considerations: Treatment and Management. Geriatric Dentistry. Dental Clinics of North America. 2014; 58(4): 815-828

Chalmers J, Pearson A. Oral hygiene care for residents with dementia: a literature review. J Adv Nurs. 2005; 52(4): 410–419. 

Chalmers JM, Pearson A. A systematic review of oral health assess¬ment by nurses and carers for residents with dementia in residential care facilities. Spec Care Dentist. 2005; 25(5): 227–233.