Year: 2018
Type: dissertation
Abstract: This dissertation addresses dementia and its relation to oral health.Since most of the dementias are irreversible, with age being the main non-modifiable risk factor, this is a theme of growing interest today, given the demographic changes that have been taking place, with an increase in the geriatric population.The oral cavity is not an isolated compartment, since not only its health status influences general health as it is influenced by it.In the case of dementia, due to the increasing cognitive and motor decline, these individuals experience an increasing deterioration of their oral hygiene, with increased susceptibility to the development of oral pathologies.Also considered an aggravating factor in the oral condition of patients with dementia, is pharmacological therapy, not only for cognitive deficit control but also for the treatment of other symptoms associated with dementia, for which hyposalivation/xerostomia is, among others, the main adverse effect.Treating patients with dementia can be challenging, not only for family / caregivers, but also for health care providers.Dental treatment in these individuals is focused on preventive and therapeutic intervention in mild stages of dementia, in order to avoid complex dental interventions in advanced stages, in which the patient may not be so cooperative.
Author: Vaz, João Rómulo Fernandes
Language: Portuguese
Subfield: General Dentistry
Field: Dentistry
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7043176799