Care partner-assisted intervention to improve oral health for older adults with cognitive impairment in Singapore

Abstract

BackgroundTo assess feasibility and acceptability of an oral health intervention for individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and mild dementia (MD) and their care partners and to explore changes in oral health outcomes. MethodsThirty eight older adults (18 MCI, 20 MD) were enrolled and randomized in this pilot study. Plaque and gingival indices were collected by a single calibrated examiner at baseline, 3 and 6 months. Participants in Treatment Group 1 received educational materials and an electric toothbrush. Participants in Treatment Group 2 and their care partners received coaching on communication and goal setting, and individualized instruction on oral hygiene technique. The care partners for this group also received an electric toothbrush. ResultsOverall, individuals with MCI and MD in both Treatment Group 1 and 2 improved on the plaque and gingival indices over the 6 months. Those with MD in Treatment Group 2 showed a higher rate of improvement in the plaque index between baseline and 3-months than those in Treatment Group 1. Both Treatment Group 1 and 2 reported a high degree of satisfaction with the intervention. ConclusionsThis oral health behavioral intervention was shown to be both feasible and acceptable. Further research is needed to more fully evaluate the efficacy of the intervention.