Unlock the Secret to Successful Medical – Dental Collaboration

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is on the rise in the United States. Until now it has been thought to be a terminal disease with no cure. However, all that is changing with the development of a precision medicine method called ReCODE (Reversal of COgnitive DEcline). This cutting-edge method has been taught around the world to physicians & health coaches and now the dental team has an exciting opportunity to get involved.

As the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S., AD is the most common type of dementia stealing thoughts, memories, and the ability to care for yourself, placing a significant burden on our healthcare system and the families of those afflicted. In 2020, as many as 5.8 million Americans were living with AD and that number is projected to nearly triple to 14 million people by 2060.¹

The biochemistry of AD begins at least 20 years before the diagnosis. ReCODE is a precision medicine method developed by UCLA neurologist Dr. Dale Bredesen. An August 2022 peer-reviewed study in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease showed that 84% of patients improved using this method, compared to the best AD drug which reduces decline by only 20%. ReCODE works by identifying and treating dozens of root causes of AD. Dr. Bredesen has been certifying medical professionals in his method since 2017.

Oral conditions are a major contributor to cognitive decline. Dr. Bredesen recognizes that dental partners are imperative for success. Medical professionals and patients are being taught that dental partners are needed because periodontal bacteria, airway obstruction, and mercury from amalgams are all root causes of Alzheimer’s and to seek the expertise of certified dental professionals for both reversal and prevention.

In 2021 certification in the ReCODE method became available to dental professionals. Certified Dentists, Hygienists, and Assistants are gaining the respect of medical professionals, health coaches and patients. They want our help! Collaboration opportunities, case acceptance, and referrals, including self-referrals from patients, are booming. As oral health specialists, we learn the basics of the ReCODE Method and offer dental solutions to protect and improve cognition. No new dental skills are needed!

Fear of Alzheimer’s is greater than fear of cancer and heart disease, more motivating to action, and lingering worries about developing AD can be detrimental to well-being.² With the high prevalence of baby boomers in the dental practice, dental professionals are in a unique position to help allay these fears through patient education, identifying oral risk factors and partnering with their patients to optimize their oral health.

Once certified, dental professionals will be introduced to ReCODE certified medical professionals and health coaches in their region and become the respected oral professional on the patients’ ReCODE team. To find out how you can grow your practice, raise your standing in the medical community, and help thousands more patients with the exciting and breakthrough program ReCODE, visit our website today and get a $500 Discount on enrollment when you enter code: ODNA500.

The webinar “Bring Life to Your Oral Systemic Practice Through Dementia Care Certification” was held on Tuesday, November 15th. In case you were unable to attend, please take the time to listen to this exciting opportunity to enhance your oral systemic practice. You can view the recorded webinar here. Passcode: CHH2022!

Chip Whitney, MD hosted the webinar. The objectives learned were the importance of these root causes of Alzheimer’s Disease:

• Periodontitis
• Airway
• Mercury Amalgams

This was an informational webinar only. No CEUs available.

References:

Matthews, K. A., Xu, W., Gaglioti, A. H., Holt, J. B., Croft, J. B., Mack, D., & McGuire, L. C. (2018). Racial and ethnic estimates of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias in the United States (2015–2060) in adults aged≥ 65 years. Alzheimer’s & Dementia. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jalz.2018.06.3063

Am J Alzheimers Dis Other Demen. 2015 Sep;30(6):591-8. doi: 10.1177/1533317514568889. Epub 2015 Feb 4.

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Geralyn Beers RDH BS FAAOSH

Geralyn Beers, RDH BS, FAAOSH has spent 39 years as a dental hygienist in both private practice and public health as well as many years expanding her medical/ dental knowledge through her work as an event manager/program consultant, and clinical instructor for a leading continuing education company. She is a founding member and past board member of the American Academy for Oral & Systemic Health, a member of the American Dental Hygiene Association and has attained status as a Bale/Doneen Preceptor, leading the way in Heart Attack and Stroke prevention through collaborative care. As a pioneer for Oral Systemic health Geralyn wrote and appeared in, “Say Ahh”, the world’s first documentary on oral health. She has spent the last 12 years living her passion of changing people’s lives through education and awareness of the mouth body connection by coaching dental teams and helping them collaborate with the medical community. She is ReCODE 2.0 Certified and is excited to help dental professionals expand their knowledge in Dementia prevention and REVERSAL and to further elevate their dental teams.

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