Alzheimer’s disease is a pathology that the World Health Organization (WHO) considers to be the new epidemic of the 21st century. Estimates indicate that it affects more than 55 million people worldwide, and projections suggest that the figure could rise to 139 million by 2050 if there is no substantial change in the growth trend.

This pathology accounts for around 70% of all cases of dementia, making it the leading cause of these disorders, and therefore one of the main diseases leading to high levels of dependency among the elderly. As we have seen in the case of other pathologies, proper oral health is positioned as a preventive measure to contribute to people’s general health, and in particular to the development of this disease.

Although the aetiological causes of Alzheimer’s disease are not known exactly, in recent years there has been evidence pointing to a link between gum disease and the development of dementia. Research has suggested that chronic inflammation caused by the immune system to combat periodontitis may induce neuroinflammatory processes that cause changes in the nervous system, providing a greater propensity to neuronal degeneration.

We should also keep in mind that the relationship between periodontitis and Alzheimer’s disease is bidirectional. The progressive cognitive deterioration associated with dementia affects aspects such as memory, task planning and the use of everyday objects, making it extremely difficult to maintain proper oral hygiene habits, which can have a negative impact on the development of the disease.

In addition to the obvious problems in terms of prevention and hygienic habits, there is another aspect that cannot be ignored, and that is the difficulty for people with dementia to access the services of the dentist, this prevents thousands from receiving the care they need.

Our experience at Lura Care, as a company exclusively dedicated to provide oral health services in care homes and day centres, allows us to know first-hand the enormous difficulties involved in transporting a person with dementia to a dental practice.

In addition, we are aware of situations in which many dental professionals refuse to treat these patients, due to the complexity involved, the anxiety situations or the patients’ lack of understanding and resistance to treatment.

Greater longevity will lead to an increase in dementias, and therefore in situations of dependency in our country. The public health system does not have sufficient resources to meet the oral health needs of all these people, either now or in the future.

For this reason, at Lura Care we are committed to be part of the solution to this phenomenal health and social challenge. We do so by developing an innovative model that provides oral health care at a residential level, with all the health guarantees, and adapted to the physical, mental and emotional capacities of the patients.

There are thousands of dependent elderly people in situations of unattended oral health needs, and which in turn affects their health and wellbeing. We strongly believe that they deserve adapted solutions that guarantee their right to improve their quality of life, wherever they are and whatever their condition.