Exploration of the factors and development of the prediction model for becoming severe among older adults with Alzheimer's Disease

Abstract

With Japan`s rapidly aging population, the number of dementia patients is now increasing. To create a society where people with dementia continue to live well with hope and dignity after diagnosis, there is a growing need to prevent it from becoming severe (e.g., worsening of dementia symptoms and increasing the burden of care). However, effective approaches to dementia care to support people with dementia and their families and to prevent it from becoming severe have not been fully established. One reason for this problem may be the lack of evidence in Japan that can be used to determine effective care plans, such as the clinical course of dementia after diagnosis and the factors associated with becoming severe. Although several studies in Western countries have reported the factors related to becoming severe for people with dementia, the findings of Western countries cannot be directly adapted to Japan because the medical and long-term care systems are different. In addition, the factors reported from previous studies are difficult to intervene, such as age, gender, and cognitive function. Therefore, it is difficult to determine effective evidence-based care plans, and we believe that it is necessary to create evidence among Japanese older adults.

Therefore, this study is aimed to investigate the factors related to becoming severe including possible intervention factors among older adults with Alzheimer's disease, using data accumulated at the National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology. Additionally, we will develop a prediction model for becoming severe among Japanese older adults. We hope this evidence will support effective decision-making for care plans.

Perspectives

I believe that this study contributes to creating and reviewing evidence-based dementia care plans and to decision support for people with dementia and their families regarding dementia care.

Comments from principal researcher

Kazuaki Uchida, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology

The number of dementia patients is increasing as the population ages, and as a researcher, I would like to contribute to creating a society where people with dementia continue to live well with hope and dignity. I will do my best to make this research meaningful for people with dementia, their families, and medical and nursing care professionals.

Shared Researchers

Soshiro Ogata, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center

Eri Kiyoshige, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center