Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 3, 2026
06:23
The 4 Mountains Test: A Short Test of Spatial Memory with High Sensitivity for the Diagnosis of Pre-dementia Alzheimer's Disease
Published on: October 13, 2016
Caries incidence in patients with dementia
J A Jones1, N Lavallee, J Alman
1Geriatric Dental Program (160), Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Bedford, MA 01730, USA.
Gerodontology
|December 1, 1993
Summary
Individuals with Alzheimer's disease (AD) exhibit significantly poorer oral health, including higher rates of dental caries. This study highlights increased coronal and root caries incidence in AD patients compared to controls.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Neurology
- Dental Public Health
Background:
- Alzheimer's disease (AD) affects a substantial portion of the elderly population, with significant implications for overall health.
- Existing literature indicates pronounced oral health deficits in individuals with dementia, encompassing hygiene, decay, and periodontal health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and compare the incidence of dental caries in male veterans with Alzheimer's disease versus a healthy control group.
- To identify specific differences in coronal and root caries development between the two groups.
Main Methods:
- A cohort study involving 23 male veterans with moderate to advanced AD.
- A matched comparison group of male veterans without dementia, selected based on age, dentition, and education (2:1 ratio).
- Assessment of baseline oral health and annual increments of coronal and root caries.
Main Results:
- Significant baseline differences in decayed, missing, and filled tooth surfaces were observed.
- The AD group demonstrated higher mean annual increments of coronal caries (2.29 vs. 0.88 per 100 surfaces at risk).
- The AD group also showed substantially higher mean annual increments of root caries (2.38 vs. 0.31 per 100 available surfaces).
Conclusions:
- Individuals with Alzheimer's disease experience a significantly higher incidence of both coronal and root caries.
- The study suggests modifications for clinical trials evaluating caries prevention in populations with dementia.
- Further research is needed to address oral health challenges and develop targeted interventions for individuals with dementia.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Alzheimer's Disease: Overview
Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a continually advancing neurodegenerative disorder, distinguished by escalating memory loss, cognitive dysfunction, and dementia. The disease unfolds in three stages: preclinical, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and dementia. Its onset is insidious, and the progression gradual, with the cause not well explained by other disorders.
The clinical diagnosis of AD hinges on the presence of memory and other cognitive impairments. Biomarkers, such as changes in Aβ and tau...
The clinical diagnosis of AD hinges on the presence of memory and other cognitive impairments. Biomarkers, such as changes in Aβ and tau...
01:22Alzheimer's Disease: Treatment
Alzheimer's Disease (AD), a neurodegenerative disorder, is pathologically identified by amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles composed of tau protein. AD pharmacotherapy aims to manage cognitive symptoms, delay disease progression, and treat behavioral symptoms. The treatment is primarily symptomatic and palliative, with no definitive disease-modifying therapy available. Cholinesterase inhibitors, including donepezil (Aricept), rivastigmine (Exelon), and galantamine (Razadyne), are...
01:30Dementia
Dementia is a collective term for cognitive disorders primarily affecting memory, thinking, and reasoning. It is not a specific disease but a syndrome, with Alzheimer's disease being the most common cause, accounting for approximately 60-80% of cases. Other types include vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia. Dementia affects millions worldwide, particularly older adults, though it is not a normal part of aging.
The progression of dementia is generally gradual.
The progression of dementia is generally gradual.
01:29Alzheimer Disease l: Introduction
Alzheimer disease is a chronic, progressive, and irreversible neurodegenerative disorder and the most common cause of dementia in older adults. It leads to gradual neuronal loss, causing cognitive decline, behavioral changes, and loss of functional independence.Risk Factors and EtiologyThe disease is multifactorial. Age is the strongest risk factor, with prevalence doubling every 5 years after age 65. Genetic factors include mutations in genes such as APP, PSEN1, and PSEN2, which are associated...
01:23Alzheimer Disease ll: Pathophysiology
Alzheimer disease involves structural changes in the brain that begin long before symptoms appear. The most distinctive features are extracellular neuritic plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles.Neuritic plaques form in the cerebral cortex and around blood vessels. These plaques contain a dense core of beta-amyloid (Aβ)—a toxic protein fragment that clumps outside neurons. The core is surrounded by damaged neuronal extensions, as well as reactive astrocytes and microglia. Abnormal...
01:22Dementia l: Introduction
Dementia is an acquired, progressive syndrome characterized by a decline in multiple cognitive domains severe enough to impair daily functioning and reduce independence. Although memory loss is a central feature, the diagnosis requires additional deficits involving language, executive function, visuospatial skills, judgment, calculation, or abstract reasoning. These cognitive impairments reflect underlying neurodegenerative or vascular processes that gradually disrupt neuronal networks...