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