The Challenges of Dental Care While Living with Dementia

By Polly Logan, Positive Approach to Care (PAC) Team Member and PAC Core Team Members Laurie Waters and Don Kent

Last month we shared perspectives related to eating and drinking from two of our Positive Approach to Care Core Team Members who are living with dementia. Click here to read, How Does Dementia Affect Eating and Drinking.

For this month’s article, we spoke with Laurie Waters and Don Kent to learn their perspectives on personal oral care and dental care. Laurie is living with young-onset Alzheimer Disease, and Don is living with Lewy Body Dementia (LBD).

Laurie Waters, PAC CORE Team Member

Don Kent, PAC CORE Team Member

Don and Laurie have quite different feelings about going to the dentist. Having his teeth cleaned is something that has never been a very negative experience for Don. Even after being diagnosed with LBD, he still doesn’t truly mind the process.

However, Laurie has noticed many significant changes in being able to tolerate dental care since her diagnosis. One of her…