Does Tooth Loss Contribute to a Dementia Diagnosis?
Oral health becomes more important as we age. Does tooth loss contribute to a diagnosis of dementia? Or does memory loss result in poor dental care? How poor dental care affects health.
Poor oral health links to chronic disease and an increased likelihood of hospitalization.
Research confirms poor oral health to be a factor in the diagnosis of poor cognitive function (a diagnosis of dementia and related diseases)1,3, increased risk for heart disease, metabolic disease, and stroke1, and poor oral care results in frequent hospitalizations due to a diagnosis of pneumonia2.
Numerous studies have identified mouth care in nursing homes as inadequate4. Research indicates the positive benefits of a person-centered approach to mouth care.
Effect of Poor Dental and Mouth Care on Health
- Is cognitive function affected by poor oral health and tooth loss?
- Does tooth loss in mid-life lead to a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease?
- What side effect of poor oral health is a common cause of hospitalization and mortality in older adults?
- Do care community staff have an ethical obligation to support good oral health similar to support provided for hygiene related to toileting?
- Are there proven benefits of person-centered mouth care?
In relating a diagnosis of dementia to poor oral health, which comes first, the chicken or the egg? Does tooth loss promote dementia or does dementia promote tooth loss?
Does Tooth Loss Promote Dementia?
Tooth loss, one of the indicators of periodontal disease has been reported to be associated with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. A history of ‘lost all teeth or lost half of the teeth before age 35’ was a significant risk factor for AD.5
It is well known that different types of inflammation, for example, inflammation from periodontal disease may decrease cognitive function through systemic inflammation relating to cardiovascular disease. Other diseases like diabetes, high cholesterol, and lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol, drug abuse, diet, and stress are risk factors for dementia.
Tooth loss may have a cumulative negative effect on the brain resulting in memory disorders. Chewing has a beneficial effect by supporting appropriate levels of acetylcholine in the brain.
By definition, acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter supporting communication between nerves in the brain that support memory, learning, and mood. Acetylcholine levels are lower in persons diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and result in memory loss, inability to learn new tasks, and disruptive moods and behaviors. 6
Does Memory Loss Result in Poor Oral Health?
Coincidentally, individuals diagnosed with dementia exhibit poor oral health. Poorer cognitive function is associated with a higher number of decayed teeth, missing teeth, and a higher rate of periodontal disease in community-dwelling older adults.3
Care workers helping individuals diagnosed with memory loss witness poor follow through in performing activities related to hygiene activities including bathing and brushing teeth.
Poor Oral Health Links to Pneumonia
For individuals living in nursing homes, pneumonia is a common diagnosis resulting in hospitalizations. High amounts of oral plaque and aspiration of infectious oral bacteria contribute to pneumonia requiring hospitalization.
Inadequate oral care and swallowing difficulties are modifiable risk factors for pneumonia2. As a result of the Affordable Care Act, hospitals are now penalized for “re-hospitalizations”, meaning individuals who are admitted and treated and then re-admitted within 30 days for the same condition. Pneumonia is one of these conditions.
Might re-hospitalization penalties influence nursing home staff to improve oral hygiene for residents? According to research on person-centered mouth care, poor oral hygiene results from lack of training, time pressure, perceptions that mouth care is unimportant, and fear of resistant patients.4
CNA Support of Mouth Care in Care Communities
This particular study trained CNAs to specialize in mouth care that included tooth and gum brushing and the use of mouthwash. Success was achieved in reducing bacteria and improving the swallowing reflex.
The time required for oral care was 6.7 minutes per resident. The result was reduced hospitalizations due to a diagnosis of pneumonia indicating that the study was successful.
Person-centered care is a familiar term related to care for individuals with dementia. How practical is person-centered care related to oral health?
Should organizations invest time to support the provision of oral hygiene by CNAs? Why has oral hygiene not been a priority in care communities?
Does knowledge about the importance of oral health place an ethical responsibility on care communities to support oral care? Does the same knowledge inspire you as a professional caregiver and as a consumer to take better care of your teeth to avoid health complications associated with poor oral health?
Managing Infections to Reduce Hospitalizations
Hospitals and related organizations are looking for solutions to reduce re-hospitalizations. Rather than focusing on orders for physical therapy and home care post-hospitalization. Should the community at large focus on aspects of daily care that reduce modifiable risk factors for emergency room admissions?
These factors include reducing the incidence of chronic disease and infection and reducing the frequency of diagnosis of pneumonia in older adults. Persons with dementia are susceptible to pneumonia, urinary tract, and other infections. By establishing oral care and other clean care routines many of these infections can be prevented.
The popular statement “knowledge is power” applies to oral hygiene and many other aspects of providing care to residents. What will you; your community and your organization do with this knowledge?
Looking for more resources for caregiving families or yourself, check out Pamela’s complimentary online webinar program about caring for elderly loved ones.
References:
1 Lexomboon, Duangjai, et.al. (2012) Chewing Ability and Tooth Loss: Association with Cognitive Impairment in an Elderly Population. JAGS 60:1951-1956.
2 Juthani-Mehta, M. et al. (2013) Modifiable Risk Factors for Pneumonia Requiring Hospitalization of Community-Dwelling Older Adults, JAGS 61:1111-1118.
3 Lee, K.H. et al. (2013) Cognitive Function and Oral Health – Related Quality of Life in Older Adults. JAGS: 61:1602-1607.
4 Sloane, P.D. (2013) Effect of a Person Centered Mouth Care Intervention on Care Processes and Outcomes in Three Nursing Homes. JAGS 61:1158-1163.
5 Okamoto, N. et. al. (2010) Relationship of Tooth Loss to Mild Memory Impairment and Cognitive Impairment: Findings from the Fujiwara-Kyo Study. Behavioral and Brain Functions 2:77.
6 Pagnanini-Hill A., et. al. (2012) Dentition, Dental Health Habits, and Dementia: The Leisure World Cohort Study. J. Am Geriatr Soc 60:1556-1563.
© 2014 Pamela D. Wilson, All Rights Reserved.
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