title: Parkinson's disease: considerations for dental hygienists.
abstract: The prevalence of Parkinson's disease (PD) is expected to double over the next 20 years owing to the increase in life expectancy. This progressive disease has several implications relating to oral health, and many are manageable with proper awareness and knowledge about the disease. This article reviews the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and characteristics of PD, as well as the treatments and oral health considerations to enable dental hygienists to undertake an informed approach to patient management strategies and provide optimal care.
authors.affiliation: Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23505, USA. sdebowes@gmail.com
authors.forename: S L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: DeBowes
authors.forename: S L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Tolle
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Bruhn
mesh_terms: D017742:Dental Care for Chronically Ill; D003730:Dental Care for Persons with Disabilities; D006801:Humans; D009059:Mouth Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control; D010300:Parkinson Disease / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D012648:Self Care; D014076:Tooth Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control