Memory loss is an early symptom of Alzheimer's. It is a symptom that only gets worse with time and which usually compounds into the deterioration of the ability of a loved one to think and make logical judgment calls. This usually makes it hard for patients with Alzheimer's to take care of their teeth. And given the level of care that dental implants need, it is even harder for loved ones who have implants:

Dental care and the burden of Alzheimer's

Dental implants are not just designed to preserve smiles. They usually play an important role in helping to keep dental complications, such as jawbone loss, at bay. Therefore, making sure that a loved one takes care of their implants is important.

The problem is the burden that symptoms of Alzheimer's impose on a loved one. They make it hard for him or her to remember to clean the spaces between implants. Making judgement calls as to which techniques to use when cleaning implants or the appropriate time to replace a worn-out toothbrush is also difficult for a loved one with the disease.

What this means is that with time, the benefits that implants provide are eroded. With the disease literally destroying the ability of a loved one to clean his or her dentures a build-up of bacteria in a loved one's cavities is inevitable. This eventually leads to increased levels of inflammation which, because of the inflammation pain, may make it harder for a loved one to maintain healthy dental care routines.

Brain zapping and memory

It turns out that brain zapping may at least holds the key to reducing this difficulty. A group of neuroscientists have achieved what many people have always associated with science fiction: brain zapping for improved memory.

A group of researchers have discovered that by zapping the brain with magnetic currents, they could actually improve a person's memory. And while the improvements achieved weren't earth-shattering, they were enough to make scientists hopeful about the possibilities of the technology - especially for patients with Alzheimer's disease.

Selective zapping can be used on patients with the disease to help boost their memory. Therefore, significant improvements in the technology may soon enable patients with advanced stages of Alzheimer's to at least do basic things such as taking care of their dentures.

And since they don't have to wait for instructions or assistance, they can floss their teeth more regularly. They can also clean their implants more thoroughly with the appropriate inter-dental brush. This will allow them to reap all the benefits of dental implants without having to deal with the hassles of infections.

Given that some studies have found an association between dental infections and Alzheimer's, simply zapping a loved one's brain may one day be the key to not only improving dental care but also reducing the severity of Alzheimer's disease. To learn more, contact a company like Tijeras Dental Service.

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