Özet:

Objective: Assessment and comparison of oral health status in elders with and without Alzheimer's disease. Methods: This age and gender matched cross-sectional study included participants from an Alzheimer’s day care center, and a nursing home. Mental state, oral and periodontal health, Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI), unstimulated salivary flow rate (USFR), and other dry mouth conditions were examined. Group comparisons, and correlation analysis were performed. Results: Thirty-six elders with AD and 37 elders without AD were included. Elders had similar GOHAI scores, USFR level (p>0.05). Elders with AD had lower probing depth (PD) and clinical attachment loss (CAL), and higher presence of no periodontitis than the elders without AD (p<0.05). However elders with AD had higher use of mouth drying medication and presence of halitosis complaint than the elders without AD. The higher age of elders with AD was related with worsening gingival index, and bleeding on probing conditions. Also poor periodontal health conditions of bleeding on probing, PD and CALwere associated with the poor GOHAI Behavioral Effects score in elders with AD. Conclusion: Personalized care and supporting oral care education of the caregivers could maintain the oral health of elders with AD.

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