March 2014

Volume 31, Issue 1

Comparison of oral health among older people with and without dementia

Authors: A. Zenthöfer J. Schröder T. Cabrera P. Rammelsberg A.J. Hassel
doi: 10.1922/CDH_3309Zenthöfer05

Abstract

Older people with dementia are very dependent on nursing, and caregivers are frequently confronted with oral-care-resistant behaviour which may lead to shortcomings in oral health. Objective: To compare oral hygiene and health status of institutionalised older people suffering, or not, from dementia. Basic research design: Prospective cohort study (single-blind). Clinical setting: Institutionalised older population in south-west Germany. Participants: Ninety-three, allocated to two groups: dementia (n=57) and non-dementia (n=36) based on a mini mental state examination. Main outcome measures: Target variables were plaque control record (PCR), gingival bleeding index (GBI), community periodontal index of treatment needs (CPITN), and denture hygiene index (DHI). Differences between the dementia and non-dementia groups were evaluated by univariate testing of all target variables. Results: Univariate analysis revealed the amount of plaque in the dementia group was significantly higher than in the non-dementia group (p=0.004). Mean CPITN of participants in the dementia group was significantly worse than those of participants in the non-dementia group (p<0.001). All participants in the dementia group had periodontitis in at least one of the sextants, compared with 74% in the non-dementia group (p<0.001). For DHI (p=0.198) and GBI (p=0.275) no differences were found between the groups. Conclusions: Some aspects of oral hygiene and health seem to be worse for the institutionalised older people with dementia. Permanent specially adapted intervention for residents suffering from dementia in long-term care homes, and training for caregivers, is desirable to maintain life-long oral hygiene and health. Key words: older people, dementia, oral health, hygiene

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Acknowledgement of Referees 4-4 Download
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Investigation of bias related to non-return of consent for a dental epidemiological survey of caries among five-year-olds 21-26 Download
Comparison of oral health among older people with and without dementia 27-31 Download
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Development and psychometric validation of a Health Literacy in Dentistry scale (HeLD) 37-43 Download
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The incidence of cleft lip and palate in a Kurd population: a prospective study 50-52 Download
The significance of motivation in periodontal treatment: Validity and reliability of the motivation assessment scale among patients undergoing periodontal treatment 53-56 Download
Oral health behaviours and perceptions reported by Indigenous Australians living in Darwin, Northern Territory 57-61 Download
Trends in the geographic distribution of dental clinics in Japan 62-64 Download

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