Dementia is not inevitable and dentistry is one of the most effective healthcare fields that can impact Alzheimer’s disease through prevention and education. Every 65 seconds someone in the United States is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease which is the most common form of dementia. It is the 5th leading cause of death and a profound human tragedy with no cure in sight. 71 million baby boomers are heading for the risk age and this may become the biggest epidemic in medical history. Everyday dental providers use an arsenal of assessment protocols that directly coincide with modifiable Alzheimer’s risk factors. Existing practices being used in the field of dentistry can easily be adapted to help educate patients in preventative care and stem the advance of this horrific disease. An innovative way to help in the prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease is to utilize valuable oral health care providers or prevention specialists who can be instrumental in reaching the public in ways other health care providers may fail. Sponsored by: Crest Oral-B *This live streamed-session will not be available following the conclusion of conference on June 28.
Learning Objectives:
Understand Alzheimer’s Disease and its association with different etiologies and pathophysiological processes including current hypothesis of bacteria, yeast and herpes virus setting the cascade of events leading to the disease
Determine how existing dental care practices and assessment protocols can be adapted to educate patients on the risk factors of and preventative measures against dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease
Attain a deeper understanding of sleep apnea and the effects on brain health that is critical as related to memory storage and clearance of brain toxins
Identify how poor sleep can be a spiral for initiation and accelerator of not only Alzheimer’s Disease but mild cognitive impairment and gain strategies for proper sleep hygiene
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