World Alzheimer’s Month is the international campaign every September to raise awareness and challenge the stigma that surrounds dementia. 

There are several types and degrees of dementia. The Alzheimer’s association list 10 different types. The most common is Alzheimer’s disease. The second most common is vascular dementia, which occurs after a stroke. Vascular dementia accounts for 10% of the dementia cases. Alzheimer’s disease can be a bit sneaky as it may be present for several years, but the patient and family members often do not recognize it until the middle stages.

Alzheimer’s patients can live for 20 years or more, while a vascular dementia patient usually live up to 3 years. 

Treating Alzheimer’s patients can be quite challenging, but in Dr. Lunan’s office in Middlebury, we strive to make each visit with us a positive and beneficial one for the patient. As dental professionals we are coming in contact with more dementia patients. We always practice extra patience and understanding in our interactions with Alzheimer’s patients as well as their caregivers.  Dr. Lunan challenges her staff to take themselves out of the picture and really focus on the patient in front of them.

We have found that in the early stages of dementia most types of dental procedures are possible. We always try to bear in mind that the patient will eventually be unable to take care of their own teeth. Key teeth will be restored, but major treatment may only be considered if a caregiver will be present to carry out daily brushing for the patient. Preventing further gum disease and decay is really our main goal. Because dementia is a progressive condition we realize the importance for the patient and their caregiver to be educated in prevention.

During the middle stages of dementia, the patient may be relatively healthy physically but may have lost some of their thinking abilities. These patients can be on edge and sudden movements or nonverbal actions may frighten them. We make sure to always give an explanation of what’s happening first. We aim to assess the patient’s cognitive level at each visit in order to give them the necessary education. Our first line of action is to genuinely care for these patients and their situations. The focus is likely to be in prevention of further dental disease. 

In the later stages if dementia, the patient is likely to have severe problems with thinking, reasoning, and memory. They are often physically frail or disabled. We include the patient in discussions about their treatment as much as possible so they don’t feel left out. The patient’s caregiver will be given written home care instructions and product recommendations to take with them when they leave our office as well.

The way dementia progresses varies with each individual, as does the ability to cope with dental treatment. Some people are more comfortable with a visit to Dr. Lunan than others. We individualize these patient’s visits with us as needed. 

Patients who have had regular dental treatment throughout their lives often handle dental visits better. There is typically little difficulty with simple procedures until the dementia becomes more advanced. For others with dementia, the dental visit will be unfamiliar and may increase their confusion, making treatment difficult. It can be helpful for the dementia patient to be accompanied by someone they know. The caregiver can remain in the patient’s sight during treatment and offer reassurance. 

Come visit us at Dr. Joy Lunan’s office where we find it is best to heighten our humanity and go above the bar.  

                 (203)598-7920         www.middleburydentist.com