Related Experiment Videos
The patient with Parkinson's disease
Sarah J Dirks1, Eleonore D Paunovich, Geza T Terezhalmy
1Division of Oral Medicine, Department of Dental Diagnostic Science, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, Dental School, San Antonio, Texas 78229-3900, USA.
Quintessence International (Berlin, Germany : 1985)
|June 11, 2003
Summary
Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological disorder affecting movement and causing tremors. Understanding this condition is crucial for dental professionals to provide effective oral care to patients.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Geriatrics
- Dental Medicine
Background:
- Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder in the elderly.
- It is characterized by motor symptoms like tremor, rigidity, and bradykinesia.
- PD affects an estimated half a million people in the United States.
Purpose of the Study:
- To inform oral health care providers about Parkinson's disease.
- To emphasize the importance of understanding PD for competent dental care.
- To highlight the impact of PD on dental treatment.
Main Methods:
- This abstract is based on a review of existing literature on Parkinson's disease.
- It synthesizes information regarding the pathology, symptoms, and progression of PD.
- It discusses the implications for dental care providers.
Main Results:
- Parkinson's disease is a slowly progressive central nervous system disorder.
- Patients with PD present with specific motor deficits impacting daily activities.
- Dental care requires specific considerations due to the disease's nature.
Conclusions:
- Oral health care providers will increasingly encounter patients with Parkinson's disease.
- Knowledge of PD, its treatments, and its effects is essential for dental professionals.
- Competent care necessitates understanding the patient's ability to tolerate and respond to dental procedures.