Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary goal of cognitive stimulation therapy for dementia patients?
What is the primary goal of cognitive stimulation therapy for dementia patients?
- To achieve set cognitive goals (correct)
- To reduce medication side effects
- To improve physical health
- To prevent protein buildup in the brain
Which type of dementia is the most common?
Which type of dementia is the most common?
- Alzheimer's disease (correct)
- Lewy body dementia
- Frontotemporal dementia
- Vascular dementia
What is a common cause of dementia related to protein buildup in the brain?
What is a common cause of dementia related to protein buildup in the brain?
- Severe head trauma
- Chronic inflammation
- Abnormal deposits of amyloid and tau (correct)
- Increased blood flow to the brain
What medication is given to patients with severe Alzheimer's who cannot tolerate acetylcholinesterase inhibitors?
What medication is given to patients with severe Alzheimer's who cannot tolerate acetylcholinesterase inhibitors?
What effect does Donepezil have on the brain?
What effect does Donepezil have on the brain?
How many sessions of cognitive stimulation therapy do patients usually attend?
How many sessions of cognitive stimulation therapy do patients usually attend?
What is a potential side effect of using Memantine?
What is a potential side effect of using Memantine?
What happens to nerve cells in the brain when proteins build up abnormally?
What happens to nerve cells in the brain when proteins build up abnormally?
What is the primary role of acetylcholine in the brain?
What is the primary role of acetylcholine in the brain?
Which of the following describes the state of brain cells in individuals with Alzheimer's disease?
Which of the following describes the state of brain cells in individuals with Alzheimer's disease?
What are the possible side effects of Donepezil treatment?
What are the possible side effects of Donepezil treatment?
What characterizes vascular dementia?
What characterizes vascular dementia?
What is one of the benefits of reminiscence therapy for dementia patients?
What is one of the benefits of reminiscence therapy for dementia patients?
Why is early dental intervention important for dementia patients?
Why is early dental intervention important for dementia patients?
How does cognitive decline in dementia patients affect dental procedures?
How does cognitive decline in dementia patients affect dental procedures?
What challenge might arise from cognitive decline in dementia patients during dental visits?
What challenge might arise from cognitive decline in dementia patients during dental visits?
What might patients face when dealing with particular teeth as dementia progresses?
What might patients face when dealing with particular teeth as dementia progresses?
How might advancing dementia symptoms affect dental appliances like dentures?
How might advancing dementia symptoms affect dental appliances like dentures?
What can result from a patient's inability to cope with dental appointments due to dementia?
What can result from a patient's inability to cope with dental appointments due to dementia?
What principle does the Mental Capacity Act 2005 establish regarding decision making?
What principle does the Mental Capacity Act 2005 establish regarding decision making?
What difficulties might arise during dental appointments for patients with dementia?
What difficulties might arise during dental appointments for patients with dementia?
What is a potential consequence of long waiting lists for special care dentistry?
What is a potential consequence of long waiting lists for special care dentistry?
Why is it important to consider the implications of different stages of dementia for dental care?
Why is it important to consider the implications of different stages of dementia for dental care?
What association has been shown regarding periodontal disease?
What association has been shown regarding periodontal disease?
Flashcards
What is Dementia?
What is Dementia?
Dementia is a broad term for a group of brain disorders that affect cognitive function, including memory, thinking, and reasoning. These disorders cause a decline in these functions, leading to difficulties with everyday activities.
What is Alzheimer's disease?
What is Alzheimer's disease?
Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of dementia, characterized by the buildup of abnormal protein deposits called plaques and tangles in the brain.
What is Cognitive Stimulation Therapy?
What is Cognitive Stimulation Therapy?
Cognitive stimulation therapy helps dementia patients improve their cognitive skills through activities like group discussions, memory games, and problem-solving exercises.
What is Donepezil?
What is Donepezil?
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What is Memantine?
What is Memantine?
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How do Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors Work?
How do Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors Work?
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What is Glutamate?
What is Glutamate?
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What causes the buildup of proteins in the brain?
What causes the buildup of proteins in the brain?
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Neurotransmitter
Neurotransmitter
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Acetylcholine
Acetylcholine
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Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer's Disease
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Donepezil (and similar drugs)
Donepezil (and similar drugs)
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Vascular Dementia
Vascular Dementia
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Reminiscence Therapy
Reminiscence Therapy
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Dementia's Impact on Dental Care
Dementia's Impact on Dental Care
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Dental Treatment Modifications
Dental Treatment Modifications
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How does communication change in patients with dementia?
How does communication change in patients with dementia?
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What challenges might dementia patients face at dental appointments?
What challenges might dementia patients face at dental appointments?
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How can dentures impact dementia patients?
How can dentures impact dementia patients?
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What are the legal rights of a person with dementia?
What are the legal rights of a person with dementia?
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Who can make medical decisions for a patient with dementia who can't consent?
Who can make medical decisions for a patient with dementia who can't consent?
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What is the potential link between gum disease and Alzheimer's?
What is the potential link between gum disease and Alzheimer's?
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How can dementia affect oral hygiene?
How can dementia affect oral hygiene?
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Study Notes
Dementia Definition and Cause
- Dementia is a general term for conditions impacting nerve cells and their connections in the brain.
- It involves significant loss of cognitive functions (thinking, remembering, reasoning).
- It disrupts daily life and activities.
- Dementia isn't a single disease but a collection of diseases.
- Many types involve abnormal protein buildup in the brain, such as amyloid plaques and tau tangles (common in Alzheimer's).
- Build-up causes nerve cells to function poorly.
- Nerve cell death leads to brain shrinkage.
- Reduced neurotransmitters (e.g., acetylcholine) affect communication between brain cells.
- Vascular dementia is linked to reduced blood flow damaging brain cells due to narrowed or blocked blood vessels, or a single stroke.
- Alzheimer's disease, is the most common type and is caused by abnormal build-up of amyloid and tau proteins.
Treatment
- Cognitive stimulation therapy/rehabilitation helps patients improve memory, language, and problem-solving skills.
- This involves group activities with professionals, typically 14+ 1-hour sessions for mild or moderate dementia.
- Medication:
- Memantine: for patients who can't tolerate acetylcholinesterase inhibitors; it prevents excessive glutamate effects and is suitable for moderate/severe Alzheimer's.
- Donepezil: a type of acetylcholinesterase inhibitor that slows down a chemical breakdown of acetylcholine used in treatment of Alzheimer's symptoms; side effects include trouble sleeping, nausea, and appetite changes.
Reminiscence Therapy
- Structured or unstructured therapy method involving props and discussion of past events.
- Benefits may include improved cognition, reduced depression, and improved mood.
Dementia and Dental Implications
- Dementia can make dental procedures less tolerable, and stages of progression significantly impact tolerance.
- Requires varying support levels for dental hygiene, from prompting to full support.
- As dementia worsens, communication skills decrease.
- Misplacement of dental appliances, like dentures, may result in difficulty eating and communicating
- A decline in patient's behavior, like frustration and discomfort.
- The Mental Capacity Act 2005 states that everyone should be presumed capable of making decisions, including accepting or refusing medical treatment.
- Periodontal disease and Alzheimer's disease may be linked in some studies (Kamer et al., 2020).
- Early dental appointments are advised after diagnosis for prevention and early intervention as dementia progresses.
- Complications (e.g., premature extractions) may arise as patients' capabilities change.
- Patients in later stages can be distressed or confused during a dental visit.
- Possible referrals to special care dentistry, but waitlists can lead to sedation.
- Lasting power of attorney holders can make decisions for patients lacking capacity.
- Out-patient dental services in care facilities are a viable option.
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