Alzheimer's disease affects an estimated 5.8 million
Americans according to the Alzheimer's Association. If your loved one has this
type of dementia and wears dentures, take a look at what you need to know about
these dental devices, mouth care, and overall health.
Dentures Can Help Dementia
Why should your loved one wear dentures? If they have
missing teeth, dentures can help on many different levels. Not only can
dentures add to the wearer's overall aesthetic appearance, but they can also
help to ensure proper nutrition. Without the ability to eat effectively, it's
challenging (at best) for an Alzheimer's patient to maintain their physical
health.
Beyond the ability to eat, some studies have shown that
dentures can help to improve brain function. A
study published
in the Japanese Dental Science Review
looked at
brain wave activity (via EEGs) of denture wearers.
The researchers found that complete and partial dentures
helped to improve functional brain activity and, in the elderly, helped to
reduce the risk of brain activity deterioration.
Dentures Require Daily Care
Proper dental care is an easy way for most people to stop
the spread of decay, reduce the risks of gum disease, and maintain a healthy
mouth. Alzheimer's patients may have difficulty with oral care - especially
when it comes to remembering to clean and care for their dentures.
Along with the inability to remember when to clean their
teeth or dentures, people with dementia may also struggle to use dental
cleaning products. Some Alzheimer's patients in the middle and late stages of
the disease may not remember how to brush their teeth, soak their dentures, or
rinse. They may also experience agitation or resist help with denture cleaning
and other dental activities.
How can you help someone in this situation? Simple steps to
improve denture care in dementia or Alzheimer's patients include:
- Talk
to the professional. The dentist or your loved one's medical provider
may have expertlevel suggestions to help with memory impairment and
denture care.
- Use
brief instructions. Forget about lengthy lists. Make instructions
simple and brief. Easyto-follow directions can break down the steps into
small chunks of activity and reduce the difficulty your loved one has
understanding or remembering.
- Act
as a role model. Even if you don't have dentures, you can role model
some cleaning behaviors. Demonstrate cleaning techniques first, and let
your loved one follow.
Along with daily care, denture wearers also need
professional care several times a year. The specific number of dentist's office
visits your loved one needs depends on their individual needs. Consult with the
dentist and the denture wearer's doctor or memory specialist before you make an
appointment or check-up schedule.
Dentures Can Require Extra Help
Can your loved one maintain most of their regular hygiene
practices themselves? Whether they require some help with everything from
bathing to dressing or are fairly independent, dentures add an extra level of
need.
Caregivers, both family caregivers and hired medical at-home
staff, can assist with denture care help and:
- Keep
a check list. Maintain a check list of daily denture care activities.
If your loved one forgets to brush or clean their device, the list will
alert you to an issue.
- Encourage
proper care. You won't always need to take over and do the work for
your loved one. A caregiver should encourage the Alzheimer's patient to
clean their own dental devices (when appropriate).
- Replace
lost dentures. As the disease progresses, memory loss can also result
in denture loss. If your loved one loses their dentures, you (or another
caregiver) can help them to get a speedy replacement.
- Make
dental appointments. Your loved one may have difficulty making or keeping
dental appointments. Talk to the dentist about a schedule, set up
appointments, and make sure the patient has transportation.
Along with these assistance activities, keep track of what
dental and denture cleaning products your loved one has and needs.
Does your parent, grandparent, or other family member with
Alzheimer's disease need dentures? Contact Premier Dentures & Implants
for more information.
