title: Dental Management of Patients with Dementia in Primary Dental Care.
abstract: Dementia is an umbrella term for a set of symptoms that include memory loss, changes in mood and problems with reasoning, attention and communication. It is a progressive condition and there is ample evidence that oral health declines as the severity of dementia increases. Most of this decline is attributable to the effects of cognitive impairment on oral hygiene capability and/or acceptance of help from others in supporting oral hygiene. Factors such as altered salivary flow, taste change, use of high-energy food supplements and syrup-based medications also contribute to the risk of oral and dental diseases. In its role as part of the wider health and social care network, the primary dental care team can make an important contribution to securing the oral health of people living with dementia.
authors.affiliation: Department of Community Special Care Dentistry, King's College Hospital Foundation Trust, London, UK.
authors.forename: Sukina
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Moosajee
authors.forename: Sobia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Rafique
authors.forename: Blánaid
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Daly
mesh_terms: D003704:Dementia / Q000145:classification / Q000503:physiopathology; D003730:Dental Care for Persons with Disabilities; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent; D016743:Mental Competency; D009059:Mouth Diseases / Q000628:therapy; D020380:Needs Assessment; D009910:Oral Hygiene; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D010348:Patient Care Team; D018802:Patient-Centered Care; D011320:Primary Health Care; D012463:Saliva / Q000378:metabolism; D012636:Secretory Rate / Q000502:physiology; D012648:Self Care; D013651:Taste Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology; D014076:Tooth Diseases / Q000628:therapy; D035862:Vulnerable Populations