Common oral health problems in older adults

Question 1

common oral disorders in older adults

Answer 1

1. root caries
2. tooth loss
3. xerostomia

Question 2

risk factors associated with development of root caries

Answer 2

1. gingival recession
2. dental pulpal stenosis
3. cariogenic foods
4. salivary gland dysfunction
5. relatively poor oral hygiene
6. suboptimal cervical restorations
7. removable partial dentures
8. intraoral sensory impairment

Question 3

how many adults aged 55 years and over have lost all their natural teeth?

Answer 3

one in five

Question 4

T/F: rates of total tooth loss nearly DOUBLED between ages 55-64 and 65-74 years

Answer 4

true

Question 5

T/F: rates of total tooth loss is more than 40% among adults 85 years and over

Answer 5

true

Question 6

causes of tooth loss in older adult

Answer 6

dental caries > perio disease > pre-prosthetic > fractures

Question 7

a study found that the major reason for tooth extraction was dental caries and it was found in what percent of all cases?

Answer 7

60%

Question 8

what percent of tooth extraction in the oldest age group is due to dental caries?

Answer 8

77%

Question 9

causes of increase in late-life tooth loss

Answer 9

1. medical conditions encourage extraction vs complex treatments
2. changing policies in the provision of dental care by 3rd parties
3. personal economic advantages
4. facilities daily oral care by care-givers

Question 10

what age is considered young old?

Answer 10

65-69 and 70-75

Question 11

what age is considered old?

Answer 11

76-80 and 80-84

Question 12

what age is considered oldest old?

Answer 12

85+

Question 13

T/F: there is no age-associated diminution of parotid gland fluid output for either the unstimulated or stimulated states

Answer 13

true

Question 14

T/F: parotid fluid rates show constant “normal” variability, but this remains constant across life span

Answer 14

true

Question 15

T/F: the responsiveness of parotid gland to physiologic challenge DECREASES with increased age

Answer 15

false, unchanged

Question 16

main groups of medications that may give rise to xerostomia

Answer 16

1. anticonvulsants
2. antidepressants
3. antihistamines
4. anticholinergics
5. diuretics
6. hypotensives
7. muscle relaxants
8. narcotics
9. hypnotics
10. minor/major tanquilizers
11. sympathomimetics

Question 17

urinary antispasmodics

Answer 17

1. hyscyamine (Cystospaz)
2. oxybutynin (Ditropan)
3. flavoxate (Urispas)
4. atropine/hyoscyamine (Urised)

Question 18

dementia

Answer 18

loss of ability to think and remember of sufficient degree in order to interfere with social functioning and activities of daily living

Question 19

T/F: dementia causes impairment of at least 2 brain functions such as memory loss and judgment

Answer 19

true

Question 20

according the to NIH, what occurs in about 45% of those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and other dementias?

Answer 20

swallowing problems (dyspagia)

Question 21

prevalence of dementia in older adults age 65-74 is what percent?

Answer 21

2%

Question 22

prevalence of dementia in older adults age 75-84 is what percent?

Answer 22

30%

Question 23

prevalence of dementia in older adults age 85+ is what percent?

Answer 23

50%

Question 24

Alzheimer’s disease

Answer 24

a PROGRESSIVE neurodegrenerative disorder that is characterized by the RELENTLESS DECLINE of cognitive fxn, judgement, perception and personality, and ultimately the LOSS OF THE DISTINCTIVE AND SHARED QUALITIES that define an individual’s existence

Question 25

when is onset of symptoms until death of patients with Alzheimer's disease?

Answer 25

3-20 years, average 8 years

Question 26

what percent of all nursing home patients in US have Alzheimer's disease?

Answer 26

50%

Question 27

T/F: no treatment has been proven totally successful in reversing course of Alzheimer's disease

Answer 27

true

Question 28

symptoms of Alzheimer's disease

Answer 28

1. recent memory loss that affects job performance 2. difficulty performing familiar tasks 3. problems with language 4. disorientation of time and place 5. poor or decreased judgement 6. problems with abstract thinking 7. misplacing things 8. changes in mood or behavior 9. changes in personality 10. loss of initiative

Question 29

a definitive diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease is only possible with what?

Answer 29

brain biopsy or an autopsy

Question 30

what are the 2 most common causes of death in patients with Alzheimer's disease?

Answer 30

1. bronchopneumonia or aspiration pneumonia (38.4%) 2. ischemic heart disease (23.1%) 3. neoplastic diseases (3.8%)

Question 31

common cause of death in general population of same-aged elderly (non-demented)

Answer 31

1. ischemic heart disease (22%) 2. neoplasms (21.3%) 3. bronchopnemonia (2.8%)

Question 32

common cause of death in patients with Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementias?

Answer 32

1. bronchopneumonia | 2. circulatory diseases

Question 33

T/F: knowledge about what actually causes death is of value in the terminal care of patients with dementia disorders

Answer 33

true

Question 34

T/F: numerous studies have found that pathogens responsible for aspiration pneumonia were colonized in the dental plaque or oropharynx of patients

Answer 34

true

Question 35

clinical issues when caring for the patient with dementia

Answer 35

1. cooperation during appointments 2. meds that alter oral environment 3. providing informed consent 4. dietary habits 5. post-operative care 6. home care

Question 36

phase 1 of patients with Alzheimer's disease are disoriented to what?

Answer 36

disoriented to time

Question 37

patients in phase 1 Alzheimer's disease

Answer 37

1. still able to perform self care 2. still able to adapt to new removable prostheses 3. introduce family or friend in oral health care

Question 38

phase 2 of patients with Alzheimer's disease are disoriented to what?

Answer 38

disoriented to time and place

Question 39

patients in phase 2 Alzheimer's disease

Answer 39

1. engage family or friend in oral health care 2. power driven toothbrushes of high value 3. use antimicrobial agents 4. remove posterior teeth with questionable prognosis

Question 40

phase 3 of patients with Alzheimer's disease are disoriented to what?

Answer 40

disoriented to time, place and person

Question 41

patients in phase 3 Alzheimer's disease

Answer 41

1. remove symptomatic teeth 2. meds induced xerostomia prevalent 3. discontinue use of removable prostheses