Mandibular movements and bite force in A lzheimer's disease before and after new denture insertion

• Published in: Journal of oral rehabilitation 2017-03, Vol.44 (3), p.178-186
• Main Authors: Campos, C. H., Ribeiro, G. R., Stella, F., Rodrigues Garcia, R. C. M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0305-182X; 1365-2842
• DOI: 10.1111/joor.12476

Chewing impairment has been observed in elders with Alzheimer's disease ( AD ); however, it is unknown whether oral rehabilitation can improve their masticatory function. This study evaluated the influence of new removable prostheses on chewing function of patients with AD . Participants using removable dentures were divided into two groups: patients with mild AD (77·2 ± 5·8 years, n = 16) and controls (76·0 ± 4·4, n = 16). All participants received general dental treatment and new total and/or partial removable prostheses. After 2 months of adaptation to the new dentures, chewing was evaluated by the following parameters: masticatory cycle time ( CT ), cycle velocity ( CV ), and opening ( OA ) and closing mandibular angles ( CA ), registered by a kinesiographic device. Maximum bite force ( MBF ) was assessed using a strain sensor. Evaluations were performed at baseline and after insertion of the new prostheses. A mixed model ( α = 5%) was used for within‐ and between‐subject analyses. After insertion of new prostheses, CT was reduced, and CV and MBF were increased in both groups ( P < 0·05). There were no changes in OA or CA ( P > 0·05). Compared to controls, elders with AD showed higher CT and reduced MBF and CV both at baseline and after insertion of new prostheses ( P < 0·05). However, OA and CA did not differ between groups ( P > 0·05). Insertion of new removable prostheses improved masticatory function in elders with and without AD , but patients with mild AD still had reduced chewing parameters compared to controls.