Australian Research Centre for Population Oral Health (ARCPOH) - The oral health of older adults with dementia
The oral health
of older adults with dementia
Introduction
Dementia has become a key issue in aged care. It is estimated
that 167,000 Australians had dementia in 2002, leading to dementia being a major cause of disease burden. This publication
reports on an investigation of the oral health status of community-dwelling older dentate adults in Adelaide, South Australia
with and without dementia. Older adults with dementia had higher levels of dental disease and their oral health deteriorated
faster over a one-year follow-up period compared to those without dementia. Older adults with dementia also faced barriers
to adequate dental care, identifying the need for improved strategies for the provision of regular oral assessment, oral
hygiene care and dental treatment.
Jane Chalmers Knute Carter John Spencer
ISBN 1 74024 462 1
ISSN 1321-0254
AIHW Cat. No. DEN 111
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