WHAT IS ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE?
Our team at Gentle Dentistry in Tampa, Florida, works with patients who may have various medical conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s is a unique but progressive type of neurological disease that occurs in the brain and causes the loss of intellectual and functional abilities. This includes loss of memory and reasoning abilities due to the loss of neurons. As Alzheimer’s disease progresses, it can significantly impact social and occupational functioning, similar to senile dementia.
CAUSES OF ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE
Studies show that for many people who are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, the cause may be a combination of factors, including lifestyle, genetic, and environmental factors that affect the brain over time. As most of the brain cells get damaged, patients with Alzheimer’s will also experience brain shrinkage.
COMMON SYMPTOMS OF ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE:
- Cognitive impairment
- Difficulties with spatial orientation or attention
- Personality changes
- Short-term memory problems
- Unexplainable changes in mood or difficulty with language
Fortunately, with continued research, medical providers are beginning to see similarities that make Alzheimer’s disease easy to predict in terms of its progression. While the symptoms above may fluctuate or overlap, varying in chronology and severity, people with Alzheimer’s disease often live for anywhere between 8-20 years with this condition. Alzheimer’s disease is considered a terminal disease as it cannot be reversed once the damage to the brain begins. There are several stages of Alzheimer’s disease, and monitoring progression is important to understand what can and cannot be done during these unique times in the lifespan of this disease.
HOW IS ALZHEIMER’S RELATED TO YOUR MOUTH?
The connection between Alzheimer’s disease and oral health is suggested to be inflammation exposure. Patients with chronic periodontal disease that is left untreated or unmanaged may have severe consequences, such as an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Patients with gum disease will want to work with professionals to ensure they are taking charge of their oral health to significantly reduce the chances of developing Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and other mental health concerns.
Call Drs. Angela Rasmussen and Amanda del Cueto of Gentle Dentistry in Tampa, FL, at (813) 734-7102 to get a proper periodontal disease diagnosis and discuss your treatment options.
