Cognitive impairment

Abstract

Cognitive disorders become more prevalent with age, are medically refractory, reduce life expectancy, and significantly impact effective health interventions in the elderly. As the population ages in the next few decades, the number of patients with cognitive impairment and dementia, most frequently Alzheimer disease (AD), will increase dramatically (Hebert et al. 2003). Oral health problems including periodontal disease, caries, edentulism, and infrequent preventative care also become more prevalent among the elderly. Behaviors associated with cognitive disorders may impact access to appropriate oral health care measures and worsen dental health. Conversely, poor oral health can lead to changes in dietary preference, malnutrition in late life, and may further contribute to dementia. In this chapter, we review barriers to appropriate oral health care and intervention strategies relevant to older patients with cognitive disorders. © 2008 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.