Associação Brasileira de Pós-Graduação em Saúde Coletiva

The aim was to evaluate the oral health care of children/adolescents with Cerebral Palsy (CP) according to severity through the perceptions of parents/caregivers. A case series study was conducted at health services in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil with 94 mothers/caregivers of subjects with CP from 5 and 18 years old. Sociodemographic factors, oral health care and use of dental services (DS) were evaluated. The Gross Motor Function Classification System showed 67% with severe motor impairment.

This text presents an overview of aging in Brazil and information that highlights the need to create instruments to deal with the exponential increase of the elderly population, particularly those who lose their physical, cognitive, mental/emotional, and social autonomy. Examples of public policies created by European countries, notably Spain, show how they act to protect the most vulnerable individuals and provide support to their families, especially to the informal caregivers.