Perceptions of Two Older Adults Regarding the Factors and Barriers that Influence their Oral Health Care: A Case Study

This paper presents the results of a case study about the perceptions of oral health care, factors that influenced current oral health, and barriers to dental attention of two older adults; the study was conducted by researchers from a hospital-school of dentistry at a public university in Mexico. Two adults aged 64 and 70 years participated in this study. First, the oral health status was clinically evaluated using the Decayed/Missing/Filled/Teeth (DMFT) Index. A semi-structured interview was then conducted to learn about the perceptions of oral health care. Thematic content analysis was used to explore the data obtained using the ATLAS.ti software 7.0 version. Four main themes and their subthemes were developed. The main finding of the case study was that oral health was directly and strongly associated with the impact that it has on a participant\u27s life, especially in the functional field of chewing. Also, the participants recognized the importance of having good oral health and see it as a necessity for living. Aspects that influenced the current status of oral health were mainly the care received during their childhood, as well as the previous dental beliefs and treatments. Finally, some of the perceived barriers to dental care treatment were lack of time, finances, and education. These findings challenge professionals to be more sensitive to past and current experiences of older adults at the time of receiving dental care. Knowing their perceptions can support health professionals to strengthen patients’ commitment to prioritizing oral health care needs

Cognitive Aging

The study of cognitive function in gerontology is considered relevant because it is an important risk factor for other pathologies in the old age, such as physical disability and dependence, depression, and frailty, mainly because of early pathological changes in cognitive function which are considered a preclinical state that may progress to dementia. In this chapter, cognitive functioning and the dimensions that are included in it (attention, memory, meta-memory, processing speed, executive functions, visuospatial skills, and language) are conceptualized. Additionally, the current evidence is analyzed regarding age-associated changes that are experienced during cognitive aging. These changes, or cognitive decline, are distinguished from those that are part of cognitive pathologies, the most common mild cognitive impairment and dementia. Such pathologies are conceptualized based on the current diagnostic criteria, and controversies and challenges are discussed. Additionally, we analyze the risk factors for cognitive functioning in aging, both modifiable and nonmodifiable ones. A review of the main nonpharmacological intervention techniques used from the gerontology approach is made. It includes the cognitive training in the case of age-related decline or techniques of stimulation and cognitive rehabilitation in the case of mild cognitive impairment or dementia. Finally, we conclude with an analysis of the current state of this topic in the field of gerontology and its relevance in professional practice

Oral Health and Prevention in Older Adults

The most prevalent oral diseases such as tooth decay and chronic periodontitis, are the main responsible for tooth loss, this causes a disability in the chewing function, which alters the selection of food, the pleasure of eating, and the state of nutrition. Even the use of total prostheses to replace this loss is not always satisfactory. In the emotional sphere, poor oral health causes discomfort and a decrease in self-esteem. Unfortunately, this continues to occur in older people despite the great scientific and technological advances in dentistry today. Health promotion, which includes health education and prevention, must be present in the course of people’s lives. In the prevention of oral diseases, consider not only biological factors as the only causes, but also alleviate and modify the social determinants of the disease. All those involved in the care of the older adults must promote prevention as the most important tool in favor of oral health, and make older people enjoy life with quality. Oral health is an invaluable asset and reward at this stage of life

Perspective Chapter: Oral Health and Community Prevention in Children

The child population is the most affected by the presence of caries. A preventable disease, which causes pain and school absenteeism, generates a significant expense in its treatment. If left untreated, it causes early tooth loss and malocclusion. Altering the quality of life at an early age leaves sequels. Primary care is essential in the prevention of oral diseases. Contact with the health team in first-level medical units, which begins during pregnancy and continues in the following stages of the child, plays an important role in its prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Across the health system, these primary care practitioners play an important role in children oral health which includes provide preventive care, referral to dentists or dental care providers and caries risk assessment. This team will know how to refer the child to the dentist specialized in the treatment. This strategy largely represents community prevention. To this must be added the family, and the school, making use of the promotion of oral health in favor of children. Efforts to prevent childhood dental caries cannot only focus on individuals and their biology and behaviors individually. It should consider the backup determinants of children’s dental health as well

Evaluación de las funciones física, cognitiva y afectiva-emocional en ancianos mexicanos, que viven en comunidades rurales

Se realizó un estudio con el propósito de identificar la presencia de situaciones desfavorables en el proceso de envejecimiento en poblaciones rurales mexicanas; en dicho contexto, no se contaba con estudios suficientes que proporcionen información adecuada para prevenir, promover y atender a la población envejecida. La presencia significativa de personas de edad en gran parte se debe al fenómeno migratorio, razón importante para generar conocimientos científicos que aporten a incrementar su bienestar biopsicosocial. La funcionalidad física es indicador de la vida activa e independiente en el anciano.Eje: Estudios sobre envejecimientoFacultad de Psicologí

Evaluación de las funciones física, cognitiva y afectiva-emocional en ancianos mexicanos, que viven en comunidades rurales

Se realizó un estudio con el propósito de identificar la presencia de situaciones desfavorables en el proceso de envejecimiento en poblaciones rurales mexicanas; en dicho contexto, no se contaba con estudios suficientes que proporcionen información adecuada para prevenir, promover y atender a la población envejecida. La presencia significativa de personas de edad en gran parte se debe al fenómeno migratorio, razón importante para generar conocimientos científicos que aporten a incrementar su bienestar biopsicosocial. La funcionalidad física es indicador de la vida activa e independiente en el anciano.Eje: Estudios sobre envejecimientoFacultad de Psicologí

Intervención educativa en cuidadores y su impacto en la higiene bucal de los adultos mayores.: Intervención educativa e higiene bucal

Objective: To develop an educational intervention in caregivers and to know its impact on oral hygiene of older adults. Materials and methods: An intervention study was conducted with pre- and post-test design in a group of older adults of a rest house in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, 2018. The oral hygiene of older adults was evaluated through the simplified index of oral hygiene. Once a week, an educational intervention was performed on oral health issues in caregivers. Results: 6 older adults participated, all of them women (100%). The mean age was 82.50 years (± 9.7). The impact of the intervention improved the level of oral hygiene of older adults by 33.72%. Conclusions: Educational intervention in older caregivers achieved significant changes in oral hygiene. Future intervention programmes should include assessments in the following months to assess long-term effects.Objetivo: Desarrollar una intervención educativa en cuidadores y conocer su impacto en la higiene bucal de los adultos mayores. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio de intervención con diseño de pre y postprueba en un grupo de adultos mayores de una casa de descanso en Guadalajara, Jalisco, México, 2018. La higiene bucal de los adultos mayores se evaluó por medio del Índice de Higiene Oral Simplificado. Una vez a la semana se realizaba una intervención educativa sobre temas de salud bucal en los cuidadores. Resultados: Participaron 6 adultos mayores de los cuales todos eran mujeres (100%). La edad media fue de 82.50 años (± 9.7). El impacto de la intervención mejoró el nivel de higiene bucal de los adultos mayores en un 33.72%. Conclusiones: La intervención educativa en los cuidadores de adultos mayores logró cambios significativos en la higiene bucal. Dentro de los futuros programas de intervención debería incluirse el hacer evaluaciones en los siguientes meses para valorar los efectos a largo plazo