Oral Health and Neurologic Complications in Aging Adults with Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities
Speaker
Dr. Seth M. Keller is a board-certified neurologist and Fulbright Specialist with Neurology Associates of South Jersey specializing in neurologic, aging, and dementia care for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). He is internationally recognized for advancing inclusive health through medical education, workforce training, and interdisciplinary collaboration. He is Past President of the American Academy of Developmental Medicine and Dentistry, Co-President of the National Task Group on Intellectual Disabilities and Dementia Practices, and founder of the Adult IDD Section of the American Academy of Neurology. He works globally with universities and health systems to strengthen IDD curriculum development, dementia care models, and sustainable training initiatives.
Disclosure: Dr. Keller has no relevant financial relationships to disclose.
Course Description
Aging adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) represent a rapidly growing population with complex and often underrecognized medical and neurologic needs. Increased life expectancy has led to higher rates of age-related conditions such as dementia, epilepsy, and movement disorders, frequently presenting earlier and atypically. Oral health plays a critical role in this population, with important connections to systemic inflammation, aspiration risk, and neurologic outcomes. Dental professionals are uniquely positioned to identify early signs of neurologic change, detect sources of pain or behavioral disturbance, and contribute to interdisciplinary care. This lecture will provide a practical framework for understanding neurologic aging in IDD, highlight key oral–systemic interactions, and offer actionable strategies to improve patient care, safety, and outcomes.
Educational Objectives
This series is made possible through the support of Delta Dental.
Contact
PDMContinuingEd@dental.upenn.edu