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Inclusion of people with dementia in oral health research

BDJ In Practice volume 35, pages 24–26 (2022)Cite this article

The literature around researching inclusively with people appears to be sparse in people with dementia (PWD). Therefore, this brief review seeks to explore how people with dementia can be appropriately included in oral health research.

Dementia has numerous meanings and there are different forms of dementia to consider. These forms mean that the population of PWD is diverse. This diversity can make research a challenge, especially when aiming to be inclusive. Guidance suggests that there should be adoption of a social framework where the thinking regarding dementia is increased and encouraged. A social model of disability approach, where human rights are incorporated into oral health research, needs to be followed. There also appears to be a drive in the evidence towards developing dementia-friendly communities. Comprehending both the risk factors and the oral health status of PWD requires the investigation of several variables, such as age, gender, location of residence, sociodemographic aspects, smoking and drinking habits, household income, medical conditions, and systemic diseases along with dementia. Therefore, dementia has impacts on society, the economy, family and for carers. To ensure quality care for people with dementia, a high level of support may be needed which adapts with people's changing needs.7 From an overview of the evidence base, what appears to be missing from the oral health research is evidence of methods which adapt and attempt to include people with dementia.

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  1. Department of Bioengineering, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK

    Rabia Sannam Khan

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  1. Rabia Sannam Khan
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Correspondence to Rabia Sannam Khan.

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Khan, R. Inclusion of people with dementia in oral health research. BDJ In Pract 35, 24–26 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41404-022-1061-z

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