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Int J Clin Exp Med 2013;6(9):766-772
Original Article
Relationship between oral health and its impact on the quality life of Alzheimer’s
disease patients: a supportive care trial
Marco Cicciù, Giada Matacena, Fabrizio Signorino, Alessandro Brugaletta, Alessandra Cicciù, Ennio Bramanti
Department of Human Pathology, School of Dentistry, University of Messina School of Dentistry, ME, Italy; Department of
Odontostomatology, University of Messina, University of Messina School of Dentistry, ME, Italy
Received July 3, 2013; Accepted August 16, 2013; Epub September 25, 2013; Published September 30, 2013
Abstract: Dental infections have recently been related with a possible risk factor for Neurodegenerative pathologies like Alzheimer’s
disease (AD). Even if there are no specific studies investigating orofacial pain in this patient group, dental health is known to be a
potential cause of pain and to influence quality of life and disease progression. The aim of this study was to investigate how the AD
patients’ oral health status may influence their quality of life. 158 patients affected by AD were evaluated using Decayed Missed Filled
Teeth (DMFT), Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) and Clinical Investigation consisting in the detection of cavities and
measurement of the probing depth in each patient; other parameters like gingival bleeding, biofilm index and tooth mobility degree test
have been recorded. The ratio between diagnosis of periodontal disease and impact on quality of life was significant in individuals with
periodontitis (p < 0.001) and missed filled teeth. Gingival bleeding, and probing depth > 4 mm were associated with intensely negative
impact on quality of life (p = 0.013, p < 0.001, and p = 0.012 respectively). Moreover, the absence of more than 2 molar teeth increases
the chewing inability decreasing the patient quality of life. Conclusion: It was observed a correlation between the age and the high index
of pathologies analyzed, due to the progressive nature of the disease. Concepts of health and disease determined by clinical
diagnostic criteria may influence the assessment of the impact of periodontal disease on Alzheimer’s quality of life. (IJCEM1307003).
Keywords: Alzheimer, oral, health, OHIP-14
Address correspondence to: Dr. Marco Cicciù, Department of Human Pathology, School of Dentistry, University of Messina School of
Dentistry, Via Consolare Valeria 98100, Messina, Italy. Tel: 0039-090 221 6911; E-mail: acromarco@yahoo.it
Original Article
Relationship between oral health and its impact on the quality life of Alzheimer’s
disease patients: a supportive care trial
Marco Cicciù, Giada Matacena, Fabrizio Signorino, Alessandro Brugaletta, Alessandra Cicciù, Ennio Bramanti
Department of Human Pathology, School of Dentistry, University of Messina School of Dentistry, ME, Italy; Department of
Odontostomatology, University of Messina, University of Messina School of Dentistry, ME, Italy
Received July 3, 2013; Accepted August 16, 2013; Epub September 25, 2013; Published September 30, 2013
Abstract: Dental infections have recently been related with a possible risk factor for Neurodegenerative pathologies like Alzheimer’s
disease (AD). Even if there are no specific studies investigating orofacial pain in this patient group, dental health is known to be a
potential cause of pain and to influence quality of life and disease progression. The aim of this study was to investigate how the AD
patients’ oral health status may influence their quality of life. 158 patients affected by AD were evaluated using Decayed Missed Filled
Teeth (DMFT), Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) and Clinical Investigation consisting in the detection of cavities and
measurement of the probing depth in each patient; other parameters like gingival bleeding, biofilm index and tooth mobility degree test
have been recorded. The ratio between diagnosis of periodontal disease and impact on quality of life was significant in individuals with
periodontitis (p < 0.001) and missed filled teeth. Gingival bleeding, and probing depth > 4 mm were associated with intensely negative
impact on quality of life (p = 0.013, p < 0.001, and p = 0.012 respectively). Moreover, the absence of more than 2 molar teeth increases
the chewing inability decreasing the patient quality of life. Conclusion: It was observed a correlation between the age and the high index
of pathologies analyzed, due to the progressive nature of the disease. Concepts of health and disease determined by clinical
diagnostic criteria may influence the assessment of the impact of periodontal disease on Alzheimer’s quality of life. (IJCEM1307003).
Keywords: Alzheimer, oral, health, OHIP-14
Address correspondence to: Dr. Marco Cicciù, Department of Human Pathology, School of Dentistry, University of Messina School of
Dentistry, Via Consolare Valeria 98100, Messina, Italy. Tel: 0039-090 221 6911; E-mail: acromarco@yahoo.it
