Prevent Alzheimer's: Strategies for Reducing Risk through Oral Health

Course Description

1 Hour Course
AGD Subject Code: 750

Alzheimer’s disease poses a significant public health challenge, requiring ongoing research and comprehensive approaches to prevention, care, and support for those affected. While there is no one specific root cause there is an understanding that lifestyle, behavioral, and medical interventions is key to prevention. A compelling amount of scientific evidence has revealed that poor oral health was a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) independent of age, gender, and laboratory measures and has identified that diseases related to tooth loss, dental caries, periodontal diseases, gingivitis, and other diseases of the lip and oral mucosa were associated with a higher risk of AD. Bidirectional care integration between dental and medical providers may best help mitigate patient’s risk. Discover evidence-based, safe strategies not only to improve your own brain health but to help your patients extend their brain span, reinforcing our role as healthcare providers. 

Course Outcomes and Learning Objectives:

• Recognize the scope of bacteria, yeast, and viruses in the development of Alzheimer's disease 
• Discover how heart health, hearing loss, genetics, insulin resistance, diet, exercise and sleep impact the risk of cognitive decline 
• Realize “red flag” risk factors that can be found on patients medical histories and how dental providers can help 
• Ensure better brain health with treatments for sleep disruptors like apnea 
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