La atención odontológica del paciente geriátrico con deterioro cognitivo

Abstract

Clinical research has shown that better cognitive function is associated with good oral health. In the same way, institutionalized elderly patients that suffer cognitive impairment present poor oral health with a high number of missing teeth, cavities, plaque formation and periodontal disease. It’s important to do the diagnosis of patients presenting cognitive impairment as earlier as possible in other to improve the prognosis of the disease and to raise a preventive dental treatment that can improve their health and quality of life. Therefore, all health personnel, including dentists have to be decisive in this process by assessing the changes in behaviour and the lost of memory of their patients. The aim of this article it’s to perform a review about geriatric diseases that most often cause cognitive impairment. Also having a look to the changes that occur in these patients and in their oral health due to alterations in the development of the disease. To conclude compiling guidelines on how and when should the dental treatment be performed depending on the stage of cognitive impairment.