Oxidative stress plays a crucial role in dementia pathogenesis; however, its impact on salivary secretion and salivary qualities is still unknown. This study included 80 patients with moderate dementia and 80 healthy age- and sex-matched individuals. Salivary flow, antioxidants (salivary peroxidase, catalase, superoxide dismutase, uric acid and total antioxidant capacity), and oxidative damage products (advanced oxidation protein products, advanced glycation end products (AGE), 8-isoprostanes, 8-hydroxy-2’-deoxyguanosine and total oxidant status) were estimated in non-stimulated and stimulated saliva, as well as in plasma and erythrocytes. We show that in dementia patients the concentration/activity of major salivary antioxidants changes, and the level of oxidative damage to DNA, proteins and lipids is increased compared to healthy controls. Non-stimulated and stimulated salivary secretions were significantly reduced in dementia patients. The deterioration in mini mental state examination (MMSE) score correlated with salivary AGE levels, which when considered with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, suggests their potential role in the non-invasive diagnosis of dementia. In conclusion, dementia is associated with disturbed salivary redox homeostasis and impaired secretory function of the salivary glands. Salivary AGE may be useful in the diagnosis of dementia.

This study is the first to evaluate oxidative stress biomarkers in saliva/blood of patients with varying degrees of dementia progression. The study included 50 healthy controls and 50 dementia patients divided into two groups: those with mild and moderate dementia (MMSE 11–23) and patients suffering from severe dementia (MMSE 0–10). Cognitive functions of the subjects were assessed using the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE). Enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants, oxidative damage products and protein glycoxidative modifications were determined in non-stimulated (NWS) and stimulated (SWS) saliva as well as erythrocyte/plasma samples. Generally, in dementia patients, we observed the depletion of antioxidant defences leading to oxidative and glycoxidative damage in NWS, SWS and blood samples. Both salivary and blood oxidative stress increased with the severity of the disease, and correlated with a decrease of cognitive functions. Interestingly, in dementia patients, reduced glutathione (GSH) in NWS correlated not only with the severity of dementia, but also with GSH concentration in the plasma. In receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, we have demonstrated that salivary GSH clearly distinguishes patients with severe dementia from those suffering from mild or moderate dementia (area under the curve (AUC) = 1). Therefore, salivary GSH can be used as a non-invasive biomarker of cognitive impairment.

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Introduction. The care of a child with a disability is associated with difficulties in many areas of life, including comprehensive medical care. Aim. The aim of the sociomedical study was to assess the level of dental care provided to children with disability based on the data from a questionnaire study performed in their parents/guardians. Material and methods. The research was conducted among 200 parents/guardians of disabled and/or chronically ill children living in Poznań and Białystok. Information on the frequency of dental visits and their causes, access to dental offices as well as the course of treatment, particularly in primary teeth, was collected. The study was approved by the Committee of Bioethics of the Poznan University of Medical Sciences (Resolution No. 159/17) as well as the directors of institutions and parents/guardians. Results. The data obtained showed that up to 18.50% of children with disability had never been to a dentist. The most common reasons for a dental visit were changes within a tooth noticed by a parent (25.50%) or a dental check-up (25.00%). Thirty-six children (18.00%) experienced a few episodes of dental pain, whereas 47.00% of children had never received dental treatment of primary teeth. Only 67.50% of respondents reported no access barriers to dental treatment. Up to 51.50% of parents/guardians reported that there was currently no need for dental treatment in their children. Conclusions. The data presented show that there is insufficient dental care for children with disability, which is probably due to inadequate education of their parents/guardians, in relation to the care of oral health in children. The study also indicates the presence of obstacles in access to dental treatment, such as architectural or financial barriers as well as problems in access to dental care in the place of residence.