Symposium: New Perspectives in Gerodontics Research

The title of this symposium describes its aims. Management of elderly patient is becoming increasingly important in dental practice but there has been less emphasis on research into the oral aspects of aging and the consequences for the individual of age changes in the mouth. two lecturers from Japan, Drs Onozuka and Watanabe, will describe their studies on the importance of mastication for maintaining general health and particularly the development of neural dysfunction Their results, also suggest that the molarless condition in aged mice may enhance an age-related decline in the brain. Dr Nordenram will describe qualitative based assessments, the elderly patient's perspective, attitudes to oral health and how they evaluate their oral health. The patient's own opinion is of great interest in treatment planning and we often judge the value of oral health for the very old from a middle-aged perspective. Time is also changing and the value of oral health seems to be more important nowadays. Profesor Walls will discuss the important issue of nutrition in the elderly. Yeast infections are common in compromised elderly patients, especially in denture wearers. The pathogenesis of these infections will be addressed by Dr Richardson. Finally, the life-threatening risks of oral infection in the elderly will be discussed by Prof. Meurman.