Two Cases of Severe Dementia Showing Dramatic Improvement after Denture Placement
Two Cases of Severe Dementia Showing Dramatic Improvement after Denture Placement
Author: Yoshiro Fujii
Affiliation: Shin Kobe Dental Clinic, Kobe City, Japan
Abstract
Severe dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, is intractable and progressive. The purpose of this study was to document the improvement observed in two cases of severe dementia after denture placement. The subjects, two women in their 70s with severe dementia, were diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease by the medical doctors in charge of their cases.
In the first case, the subject’s symptoms included severe disorientation, impaired communication, and a tendency to wander. Two weeks after a lower complete denture placement, she was able to greet others. Five weeks later, she was able to communicate and precisely read an analog clock. Her condition continued to improve for at least 3 months.
In the second case, the subject’s mouth was always open. She was bedridden in a vegetative state and hardly moved, talked, or laughed; it was impossible to communicate with her. Only a few seconds after an upper complete denture placement, she started to talk, albeit unintelligibly. Two weeks after a lower complete denture placement, she could communicate normally, laugh, and walk without help.
Although the underlying mechanism has not yet been clarified, the author hypothesizes that positive signals from the oral area are transferred to the brain as positive stimulation via the trigeminal nerve, the largest cranial nerve.
Keywords
Dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease, Complete Denture, Dental Treatment, Trigeminal Nerve
Introduction
Dementia is a disorder of particular concern because the decline in memory and other cognitive functions that characterize this condition result in a loss of independent function. Alzheimer’s disease accounts for 60% - 80% of dementia cases. For most progressive dementias, there is no cure or treatment available that slows or stops its progression.
The author hypothesizes that oral stimulation has an effect on cognitive function. This report describes two case studies of severe dementia diagnosed as Alzheimer’s disease that dramatically improved via dental treatment using artificial dentures.
Case Reports
Case 1
The subject was a woman in her 70s with severe dementia diagnosed as Alzheimer’s disease. Her symptoms included severe disorientation and impaired communication. She was unable to understand where she was or recall her name. She also exhibited oral dyskinesia.
A lower complete denture was fabricated and placed. Two weeks later, she was able to respond to greetings. Five weeks later, she was able to converse normally and read an analog clock.
Case 2
The subject was a woman in her 70s with severe dementia diagnosed as Alzheimer’s disease. She was bedridden in a vegetative state, unable to communicate. Her mouth remained open constantly.
After an upper complete denture placement, she started to talk within seconds. Two weeks after a lower complete denture placement, she could communicate, laugh, and walk unassisted.
Discussion
Both cases exhibited remarkable improvements following denture placement. The author hypothesizes that oral stimuli affect cognitive function through the trigeminal nerve, one of the largest cranial nerves. Further research is needed to clarify the exact mechanism.
Conclusion
These cases suggest that denture placement may have a positive effect on cognitive function in dementia patients. Further studies are necessary to explore this phenomenon in more detail.
Full Paper
For the full paper, visit: https://www.scirp.org/journal/paperinformation?paperid=67233
