Department of Nutrition Student Projects
Impact of Targeted Oral Health Education Intervention on Patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Submission Date
4-16-2025
Document Type
Undergraduate Project
Degree Name
Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition (BSHN)
First Mentor
Andrea Charvet
Keywords
Targeted Oral Health Education, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, motor impairments, ALSFRS-R, BOHSE, WTCI, OFDI, DPSI, Pre/Post survey
Abstract
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that impairs motor neuron function, leading to difficulties in movement, speech, eating, and even breathing. As the disease advances, patients with ALS struggle with activities of daily living (ADLs), including maintaining oral hygiene due to reduced muscular control. This study aims to evaluate the impact of an oral hygiene education intervention on oral hygiene practices, oral health outcomes, and quality of life in middle-stage patients with ALS. The study will compare the effects of a specified educational intervention to those of no targeted education, using quality of life assessments as a tool for comparison. The assessment will evaluate the impact of the educational intervention on key oral hygiene behaviors, with consideration for the physical limitations experienced by individuals with ALS. Additionally, a quality of life survey will gauge the impact of improved oral care on well-being, as well as quality of life for caregivers. An oral health assessment will also be conducted to physically evaluate plaque buildup, cavities, gingivitis, and gum health.
Limitations of the study may include disease progression, variations in patients’ comprehension of intervention materials, and their access to reliable information, potentially affecting the accuracy of findings. Maintaining proper oral hygiene can help patients with ALS prevent infections, reduce discomfort, and enhance overall well-being. By identifying accessible and manageable oral hygiene strategies for patients with ALS, this study aims to raise public awareness of the connection between oral health and general health while emphasizing the importance of preventive dental care.
NSUWorks Citation
Salena Patra, Noor Hachem, Diya Sodha, and Imani Allen. 2025. Impact of Targeted Oral Health Education Intervention on Patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Capstone. Nova Southeastern University. Retrieved from NSUWorks, . (28)
https://nsuworks.nova.edu/hpd_com_nutrition/28.