The Dental Patient with Dementia - Part One

Course overview

Dementia describes various neurological conditions that result in deficiencies in an individual's mental cognitive tasks, such as memory and reasoning, with symptoms that worsen over time. Different forms result in degenerative changes in specific brain expanses, causing brain pathways to malfunction. Using an evidence-based approach, this Quality Resource Guide (QRG) reviews the different types of dementia, discusses dementia awareness by the oral health care provider as a member of a professional collaborative team, describes the behavioral aspects of dementia, and outlines the critical aspects of providing dental care for a person with dementia. The QRG will serve as an essential update resource for the dental office team striving to maximize the success of care for their patients with dementia.