Improving mouth care for residents with dementia in assisted living
Adapting an Evidence-Based Program That Improves Oral Hygiene and Health for Assisted Living Residents With Dementia
This study is testing a new mouth care program for residents with dementia in assisted living to see if it helps keep their mouths healthier and reduces the risk of pneumonia.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 1780 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Chapel Hill, North Carolina) |
| Trial ID | NCT03892200 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This project aims to adapt a successful mouth care program designed for nursing home residents with dementia for use in assisted living facilities. The program focuses on providing daily mouth care to reduce harmful bacteria that can lead to aspiration pneumonia. Community dental hygienists will train assisted living staff on these methods, which will be evaluated in a pragmatic trial involving residents with dementia. The initiative addresses the physical health needs of dementia patients, which are often overlooked in favor of psychosocial support.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are assisted living residents aged 18 and older who have a diagnosis of dementia and either have teeth or use dentures.
Not a fit: Patients who are on hospice care or require antibiotic prophylaxis prior to oral hygiene examination may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly reduce the incidence of aspiration pneumonia among assisted living residents with dementia.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown success with similar mouth care interventions in nursing homes, indicating a promising potential for this adapted approach in assisted living settings.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Assisted living staff Inclusion Criteria: * Are 18 years of age or older * Able to read and speak English fluently Exclusion Criteria: * Do not provide direct care to residents in participating assisted living community Family members Inclusion Criteria: * Are 18 years of age or older * Able to read and speak English fluently Exclusion Criteria: * Family member (resident) did not receive mouth care from AL staff Public health dental hygienists Inclusion Criteria: * Are 18 years of age or older * Able to read and speak English fluently Exclusion Criteria: * Not employed by the NC DHHS Oral Health Section (Criteria to be a public health dental hygienist include five years practice experience and CPR and emergency medical training.) Residents Inclusion Criteria: * Are 18 years of age or older * Have teeth or have and use a denture * Have a diagnosis of dementia Exclusion Criteria: * Requires antibiotic prophylaxis prior to oral hygiene examination * Currently on hospice or tube-feeding * Expected to die or be discharged in the next six months
Where this trial is running
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill — Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Sheryl Zimmerman, PhD — University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Lynne A Sampson, PhD, MPH
- Email: LSampson@email.unc.edu
- Phone: 919-966-7543
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.