UAB School of Nursing associate professor Rita A. Jablonski, Ph.D., has been selected to be one of two panelists for an online presentation hosted by the Lewy Body Dementia Association at 1 p.m., CST, Sept. 7, 2012.
Jablonski will discuss ways to improve oral hygiene in persons with Lewy Body Dementia, a form of dementia that closely overlaps clinically with Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. Jablonski’s presentation will provide caregivers with ways to assist their family members with mouth care. She also will discuss the links between oral health and other health problems, such as pneumonia, diabetes, heart disease and strokes. Jablonski is a registered nurse and nurse practitioner with 30 years of clinical experience caring for persons with dementia in a variety of settings.
An expert in both gerontology and oral health, she is currently conducting a study examining ways to improve the delivery of mouth care to persons with dementia residing in nursing homes. For more information, visit www.lbda.org.