Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

BACKGROUND: Hearing impairment (HI) is associated with dementia. However, the cognitive screening tasks effective in older community dwellers presenting with HI are unclear. METHODS: We retrospectively and cross-sectionally investigated the associations between HI and cognitive function assessed with screening tasks using data from two healthcare check-up programs for community dwellers ≥65 years old in 2018. We examined demographics, risk factors, cognitive function, hearing condition, lifestyles, and self-care levels. Cognitive function was assessed using the clock drawing task and the delayed three words recall task. Hearing condition was assessed using questionnaires on the use of hearing aids and HI during conversation situations. Multivariate analysis was used to identify independent associations between HI and cognitive assessment tasks. RESULTS: We analyzed 1602 eligible participants (61.9% women; 74.3 ± 6.5 years old). Hearing aid users (n = 90) were older (80 vs. 73 years, respectively; p < 0.001) and less likely to draw the clock correctly (71.1% vs. 80.1% years, respectively; p = 0.044) than non-hearing aid users. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that HI was associated with inability to draw the clock correctly (odds ratio 1.60, 95% confidence interval 1.12-2.26; p = 0.011), independent of age, living alone, memory impairment, and impaired self-care levels. CONCLUSION: Hearing impairment is independently associated with cognitive decline assessed by the clock drawing task. The clock drawing task may be useful for identifying an increased risk of dementia in older subjects presenting with HI.

DOI： 10.1016/j.archger.2020.104302

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PubMed

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Authorship：Corresponding author   Language：Japanese   Publisher：鹿児島大学医学部保健学科  

地域コホート研究(垂水研究2018)のデータを用いて、地域在住高齢者における社会的フレイルとうつ傾向との関連について横断観察研究を行った。対象は研究に対する同意が得られた65歳以上の地域在住高齢者859名であった。最終的に社会的フレイルの有無および高齢者用うつ尺度短縮版(GDS15)、その他基本属性に欠損のない812名(男性304名、女性508名、平均年齢74.8歳)を有効回答とし分析対象とした。対象者のうち社会的フレイルを有する者は112名(13.8%)であった。社会的フレイルを有する者は社会的フレイルを有しない者と比較し、高齢で、GDS15の点数は高く、歩行速度、握力が低下していた。社会的フレイルを有する者でうつ傾向のある者は37名(33.0%)で、社会的フレイルを有さない者でうつ傾向のある者90名(12.9%)と比較して有意に高い割合であった。ロジスティック回帰分析の結果からも社会的フレイルはうつ傾向と関連していることが示された。

Authorship：Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Health literacy is important for promoting and maintaining good health in old-old adults. It may influence the implementation of exercise in the coronavirus disease epidemic. The present cross-sectional study investigated the association of each dimension of health literacy with the implementation of exercise during the declaration of a state of emergency due to coronavirus disease in community-dwelling old-old adults. We collected data from 483 community-dwelling old-old adults (52.8% women) aged between 77 and 99 years who participated in a mail survey. Participants were divided into exercise or nonexercise groups based on the implementation of exercise during the declaration of a state of emergency. Health literacy was assessed using a 14-item health literacy scale. There were 327 (67.7%) participants in the exercise group and 156 (32.3%) in the nonexercise group. A significantly higher score of health literacy was observed in the exercise group than in the nonexercise group (communicative health literacy score = 14.0 ± 3.6 vs. 12.7 ± 3.8, p = 0.001). In a multivariate logistic regression model adjusted for potential confounders, high communicative health literacy scores were significantly associated with the implementation of exercise during the declaration of a state of emergency (odds ratio = 1.88, 95% confidence interval = 1.20-2.93). Approximately two-thirds of community-dwelling old-old adults implement exercise during the declaration of a state of emergency. High communicative health literacy was associated with the implementation of exercise during this period.

DOI： 10.3390/ijerph18042100

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PubMed

Authorship：Last author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

During the last three decades, Japan has become one of the world's top countries for longevity, and the increase in average life expectancy is accompanied by a sharp rise in older population aged 65 years and above to approximately 28%. This study aimed to examine the changes in major health-related measures including physical constitution, physical function, and functional capacity of community-dwelling Japanese older people in the last decade. From the data of 13 longitudinal cohort studies on aging conducted in Japan with a total of 13,441 older subjects, the present study analyzed the changes in six indices that are related to health and functioning of the older people; height, weight, BMI, walking speed, grip strength, and instrumental ADL, between 2007 (± 2 years) and 2017 (± 2 years). Comparison of data for the two periods between subjects matched for age group and gender evidently showed better health status and a slower decline in most of the health-related measures in 2017 compared to a decade ago. The results of the present study indicate that the phenomenon of "rejuvenation" is occurring among the new generation of Japanese older adults, and the importance of this older population as a social resource in the super-aged society should be re-acknowledged.

DOI： 10.1089/rej.2019.2291

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PubMed

Authorship：Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Elsevier BV  

DOI： 10.1016/j.nut.2024.112599

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Springer Science and Business Media LLC  

DOI： 10.7759/cureus.68605

PubMed

Language：English  

DOI： 10.1123/japa.2023-0183

PubMed

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the potential association between the combination of low physical activity and low dietary diversity with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in older Japanese adults. METHODS: Data from 600 older adults (mean age 74.1 ± 6.4 years; 62.0% women) were analyzed. We evaluated dietary variety based on the Food Frequency Score (FFS) (maximum 30 points) by assessing the one-week consumption frequencies of ten foods. An FFS of ≤ 16 indicated low dietary diversity. We assessed MCI using the National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology (NCGG) Functional Assessment Tool. Physical activity levels was determined based on participant responses to two questions: "Do you engage in moderate levels of physical exercise or sports aimed at health?" and "Do you engage in low levels of physical exercise aimed at health?". Participants who responded "No" to both questions were classified as having low physical activity levels. We classified the participants into robust, low-dietary diversity, low-physical activity, and coexistence groups. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of MCI was 20.7%, with rates in the robust, low dietary diversity, low physical activity, and coexistence groups of 17.7%, 24.7%, 25.0%, and 41.9%, respectively. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that low dietary diversity and physical activity were associated with MCI in older adults (odds ratio [OR] 2.80, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.22-6.28). CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study demonstrated the association of the co-occurrence of low dietary diversity and low physical activity with MCI. Older adults with both risk factors may require early detection, as well as physical activity and dietary interventions.

DOI： 10.4235/agmr.24.0080

PubMed

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：The Korean Geriatrics Society  

DOI： 10.4235/agmr.24.0071

PubMed

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：The Korean Geriatrics Society  

DOI： 10.4235/agmr.24.0040

PubMed

Publisher：医歯薬出版  

DOI： 10.32118/cr033050486

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

OBJECTIVES: Frailty is a significant cause of adverse health events including long-term care and hospitalization. Although information and communication technology (ICT) has become an integral part of modern life, it remains unclear whether ICT use is associated with frailty. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study (Integrated Longitudinal Studies on Aging in Japan, ILSA-J). SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Aged 75 and older data from the ILSA-J in 2017 (n = 2893). METHODS: ICT use was measured using the technology usage sub-items of the Japan Science and Technology Agency Index of Competence. Specifically, the use of mobile phones, ATMs, DVD players, and sending e-mails were rated as "yes" (able to do) or "no" (unable to do), with the first quintile (≤1 point) defined as ICT non-users. Frailty was assessed using the Japanese version of the Cardiovascular Health Study criteria based on the phenotype model (e.g., weight loss, slowness, weakness, exhaustion, and low activity). Further, multivariate logistic regression analysis analyzed its association with ICT use. Subgroup analyses were stratified according to gender, years of education, and living arrangements. RESULTS: Higher ICT use was not associated with frailty after adjusting for covariates (odds ratio [OR]: 0.53; 95%CI 0.39-0.73). Similar associations were found in the sub-groups of women (OR 0.45, 95%CI 0.30-0.66), <13 years of education (OR 0.48, 95%CI 0.34-0.67), living alone (OR 0.46, 95%CI 0.27-0.79), and living together (OR 0.57, 95%CI 0.38-0.85). No association existed between using ICT and frailty in the sub-groups of men and ≥13 years of education. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Higher ICT use is associated with the absence of frailty in individuals 75 years and older. Such benefits may be particularly pronounced in women, those with lower levels of education, and older adults living alone or with others.

DOI： 10.1007/s41999-024-00979-y

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PubMed

Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本老年医学会  

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

BACKGROUND: Dementia is a critical later life health issue that occurs among members of aging societies. This study examined the relationships between eating out, dietary diversity, and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) among community-dwelling older adults. METHODS: We analyzed data from 597 older adults (median age 73.0 years [interquartile range 69.0-78.0] and 62.6% females). We applied the Food Frequency Score (FFS) to evaluate diet variety and the weekly consumption frequencies of ten food items were determined. The Functional Assessment Tool from the National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology was used to evaluate MCI. Finally, we asked the participants how often they ate out each month; those who replied 'none' were categorized into the "non-eating out" group. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of MCI was 122 (20.4%), with a higher prevalence in the low dietary diversity group than in the high dietary diversity group (28.6% vs. 18.6%). After adjusting for covariates, the participants who self-described as not eating out were independently associated with low dietary diversity (odds ratio [OR]: 1.97, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.20-3.20), while low dietary diversity was associated with MCI (OR: 1.72, 95% CI: 1.02-2.87). Structural equation models revealed that not eating out had no direct effect on MCI but was associated with MCI via low dietary diversity (root mean square error of approximation = 0.030, goodness-of-fit index=0.999, and adjusted goodness-of-fit index = 0.984). CONCLUSIONS: Although non-eating out may not have a direct effect on MCI, an indirect relationship may exist between eating-out habits and MCI via dietary diversity status.

DOI： 10.4235/agmr.23.0218

PubMed

Language：Japanese   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

AIM: This study aimed to examine the relationships between levels of competence and impaired physical and cognitive functions in older adults. METHODS: We used a data set of the Integrated Longitudinal Studies on Aging in Japan for 2017 including 5475 community-dwelling older adults. Levels of competence were assessed using the Japan Science and Technology Agency Index of Competence (JST-IC). Grip strength (low grip strength: <28 kg for men and <18 kg for women) and gait speed (slow gait speed: <1.0 m/s for both sexes) were evaluated as physical function measurements, and the Mini-Mental State Examination (cognitive decline: <24 on the Mini-Mental State Examination) was used to assess cognitive function. RESULTS: The JST-IC had areas under the curve estimated from receiver operating characteristic analysis ranging from 0.65 to 0.73 for detecting low function as assessed by these tests. Restricted cubic spline curves showed that the shape of the association between the JST-IC and impaired function depended on sex and the test used. The comparison between perfect and imperfect JST-IC scores showed significant differences in the prevalence of low grip strength in both sexes, slow gait speed in women, and cognitive decline in men. CONCLUSIONS: It may be insufficient to identify those with impaired physical or cognitive function using the JST-IC. The shape of the association with the JST-IC varies across their measurements. Our findings can help interpret JST-IC scores in the context of low physical and cognitive functions. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 352-358.

DOI： 10.1111/ggi.14839

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PubMed

Language：English   Publisher：John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd  

Language：Japanese   Publisher：日本予防理学療法学会  

<p>【背景と研究フィールド】</p><p>垂水研究のフィールドとなる鹿児島 県垂水市は大隅半島の北西部に位置しており、養殖 (ブリ・カンパチ)、農業 (野菜・果物)、畜産 (豚)が盛んな地方都市である。人口は13,550人 (2021年6月1日時点の推計人口)、高齢化率は約42％と高齢化の進展が顕著であり、小中学校の統廃合も進み、少子化も大きな課題となっている。 </p><p>【取組概要】</p><p>垂水研究は、中高齢 (40歳以上)の市民を対象とした包括的な健康チェックのほか、健康チェックの結果報告会、 健康支援のための介入試験、市報での情報還元などで構成され、これらの取組は「たるみず元気プロジェクト」という名称で広く市民に周知している。垂水研究の健康チェックから得られたデータを基にして、健康寿命延伸のための事業や施策へ反映させていくことを目指している。垂水研究の中核的な研究事業内容は、毎年実施している40歳以上の市民を対象とした包括的な健康チェックである。健康チェックでは、医師による問診や一般的な健康状態 (服薬状況含む)に関する質問調査の他、心電図、動脈硬化、身体機能 (筋力、歩行など)、認知機能、身体組成、 口腔機能、栄養調査、血液検査、日常生活に関する調査など、 1300項目を超えるデータ変数を取得している。 </p><p>【大学・行政・地域基幹病院との協働】</p><p>垂水研究は、大学・行政・地域基幹病院との綿密な協働体制で実施している。医療専門職に関しては、医師、歯科医師、看護師、保健師、理学療法士、作業療法士、言語聴覚士、薬剤師、管理栄養士などの多職種が関わっており、専門の研究領域も高血圧内科、老年学、栄養学、運動学、バイオメカニクス (生体力学)、精神・心理学など多岐にわたる。大学院生や学部生が調査に参加し、教育的な支援体制としての貢献度も高い。また、地域企業も参画し、市民への周知のみならず、地元企業への周知も進んでおり、多方面で地域活性化の事業への発展が期待されている。 </p><p>【研究成果】</p><p>これまでに垂水研究で得られた学術的な成果は国際誌31編 (2023年4月現在)で公開されている。また、日本人高齢者の健康水準の特性と推移に関する総合的プラットフォームの形成を目的とした「長寿コホートの総合的研究 (ILSA-J)」 ( 事務局：国立長寿医療研究センター、研究代表：鈴木隆雄)に参画しており、日本人高齢者の老化の変容に関する統合的分析に寄与している。 </p><p>【倫理的配慮】</p><p>本発表に関する研究は、鹿児島大学疫学研究等倫理委員会 (170351 疫-改10、200054疫)の承認を得て実施されている。</p>

DOI： 10.57304/jsptpsuppl.2.suppl.no.1.0_94

Language：Japanese   Publisher：日本予防理学療法学会  

<p>【はじめに、目的】</p><p> 近年、高齢期の健康状態の指標として、身体、認知、心理的な健康度に加え、社会的な健康度を評価することの重要性が認識されており、これを表す概念の1つとして社会的フレイルが提唱された。社会的フレイルは障害発生や死亡のリスクに影響することが報告されているが、社会的フレイルの発生に影響する因子については未だ十分に検討されていない。本研究では、高齢期に経験するポジティブおよびネガティブなライフイベントが社会的健康度に及ぼす影響について、操作的に定義した社会的フレイルを用いて検討した。 </p><p>【方法】</p><p> 対象はベースライン時点で社会的フレイルのない地域高齢者 2,174名とした。社会的フレイルは、1)独居である、2)外出頻度の減少、3)友人を訪ねることがない、4)誰とも話さない日がある、5)家族や友人の役に立っている気がしない、の5項目のうち2項目以上に該当する場合と定義し、ベースライン (2011年)と4年後 (2015年)において評価した。ライフイベントは先行研究に基づき、ポジティブなイベントの有無 (「子や孫の結婚」「孫やひ孫の誕生」「新たな友人との出会い」のうち1つ以上)と、ネガティブなイベントの有無 (「経済的困難さの増大 」「配偶者の病気や怪我」「家族や友人の死」のうち1つ以上)を、ベースラインから15カ月間について評価した。 </p><p>【結果】</p><p> 多変量ロジスティック回帰分析の結果、ネガティブなライフイベントの経験 (1つ以上)は社会的フレイル発生と関連しなかった (オッズ比: 1.17、95%信頼区間: 0.83-1.59)が、ポジティブなライフイベントの経験 (1つ以上)は社会的フレイル発生のリスク低下と関連した (オッズ比: 0.48、95%信頼区間: 0.34-0.67)。さらに、ポジティブなライフイベントと社会的フレイルとの関連は、同期間にネガティブなイベントも経験した対象者 (1,059名)に限定した感度分析においても保たれた (オッズ比: 0.55、95%信頼区間: 0.34-0.88)。 </p><p>【考察】</p><p> ポジティブなライフイベントは社会的フレイル発生に保護的に働く可能性があり、社会的健康度の維持向上に向けた戦略立案に有用な知見が得られたと考えられる。一方、本研究ではネガティブなイベントは社会的フレイルと関連しなかったが、先行研究では社会的孤立や孤独感との関連が報告されており、今後は個々のライフイベントの内容や社会的健康度の評価指標の違いを加味した追加検証が必要である。 </p><p>【倫理的配慮】</p><p>本研究は、著者所属機関の倫理・利益相反委員 会の承認を受けて実施した。ヘルシンキ宣言の趣旨に沿い、対象者には本研究の主旨および目的を口頭と書面にて説明を行い、書面にて同意を得た上で本研究を実施した。</p>

DOI： 10.57304/jsptpsuppl.2.suppl.no.1.0_26

Language：Japanese   Publisher：日本予防理学療法学会  

<p>【目的】</p><p> パーソナリティは、疾患や死亡リスクと関連性が示されており、なかでも勇気ある思考や行動は、健康的な生活を送るうえで重 要な要素となり得る。主観的健康感は、健康増進を考えるうえで重要な指標のひとつである。本研究は勇気ある思考や行動と主観的健康感との関連性を明らかにすることを目的とした。 </p><p>【方法】</p><p> Yahoo!クラウドソーシング利用者へのWEB調査 (2021年6月21日～28日)で同意が得られ、適格基準を満たした60歳以上の中 高齢者750名 (平均65.2±4.8歳、女性31.6%)を横断的に分析した。勇気は、Values in Action Inventory of Strengths (VIA-IS)の一部である8つの質問に対して、5件法で回答を得た (1：全くあてはまらない～5：とてもよくあてはまる)。主観的健康感は、「あなたは普段ご自分で健康だと思いますか」の質問に対する回答から不良群 (健康ではない・あまり健康ではない)と良好群 (まぁ健康な方だと思う・非常に健康だと思う)に分類した。従属変数に主観的健康感、独立変数は勇気、さらに勇気の下位項目である勇敢、勤勉、誠実性、熱意としたロジスティック回帰分析を行った (共変量：年齢、性別、服薬数、精神的健康度 (K6))。その後、性別で層別化したロジスティック回帰分析を行った。 </p><p>【結果】</p><p> 主観的健康感の良好群は71.6%、不良群は28.4%であった。ロジスティック回帰分析の結果、勇気の得点が高いほど主観的健康感が良好群であるオッズ比 (OR)と95％信頼区間 (95％CI)は 1.12 (95%CI 1.07-1.18)と有意な関連性を認めた。また、勇気 のすべての下位項目と主観的健康感で有意な関連を認めた (勇敢OR1.14、95%CI 1.01-1.28、勤勉OR1.21、95%CI 1.06-1.38、誠実性OR1.34、95%CI 1.16-1.54、熱意OR1.32、95%CI 1.15-1.53)。男性では勇気 (OR1.15、95%CI 1.09-1.22)、勤勉 (OR1.24、95%CI 1.07-1.45)、誠実性 (OR1.50、95%CI 1.26-1.77)、熱意 (OR1.46、95%CI 1.23-1.73)において主観的 健康感と有意な関連性を認めたが、女性では勇気のすべての項目で主観的健康感との関連性を認めなかった。 </p><p>【考察】</p><p> 60歳以上の中高齢者において、勇気の得点が高いほど主観的健康感が良好であることが示唆され、特に男性では勇気があるほど主観的健康感が良好であった。理学療法の場面において、性別を考慮しながら勇気ある思考や行動ができるようにサポートすることは、主観的健康感を高めることにつながるかもしれない。 </p><p>【倫理的配慮】</p><p> 本研究は、鹿児島大学疫学研究等倫理委員会の承認 (210020疫)を得て実施した。対象者には、目的と内容を文章にて提示し、同意を得た。</p>

DOI： 10.57304/jsptpsuppl.2.suppl.no.1.0_197

Language：Japanese   Publisher：The Japan Geriatric Therapy Society  

<p>【Aim】 The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between subjective sleep quality and physical function, and explore the mediating factors of psychological function and physical activity.【Methods】 A cross-sectional analysis was conducted. Data from 573 community-dwelling older individuals (mean age 74.1 ± 6.4 years, 61.8% women) who participated in a health check survey (Tarumizu Study 2019) were analyzed. Using covariance structure analysis, an optimal model was constructed with subjective sleep quality as the starting point and physical function as the ultimate outcome. The model fit was examined separately for men and women. A hypothetical model was established with latent variables for subjective sleep quality, physical function, psychological function, and physical activity. Model fit indices, including CMIN/DF, GFI, AGFI, CFI, and RMSEA, were used to assess the goodness of fit.【Results】 For men, a well-fitting model that met statistical significance was not obtained. Conversely, for women, the model (CMIN/DF = 1.592, GFI = 0.964, AGFI = 0.944, CFI = 0.954, RMSEA = 0.041) achieved a statistically significant level, indicating that subjective sleep quality was related to psychological function and indirectly related to physical function through the mediating factor of physical activity.【Conclusions】 In community-dwelling older women, poor subjective sleep quality suggests a decline in psychological function, leading to a decrease in physical activity and ultimately contributing to a decline in physical function.</p>

DOI： 10.57270/jgts.2023_017_oa

Language：Japanese   Publisher：日本転倒予防学会  

DOI： 10.11335/tentouyobou.10.1_35

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

BACKGROUND: This study examined the association between memory function and reduced olfactory and gustatory function among independent community-dwelling older adults. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 127 older adults (65.4% women). We assessed their memory, odor, and taste identification skills. Open essence (OE) test and taste strips (TS) were used to identify hyposmia (OE test ≤6) and hypogeusia (TS test ≤8), respectively. RESULTS: Participants with severe hyposmia had significantly poorer memory functions compared to participants without severe hyposmia. After adjusting for covariates, multivariate logistic regression models revealed a significant association between immediate recognition performance and a decreased likelihood of severe hyposmia (odds ratio = 0.65, 95% confidence interval = 0.47-0.90). We observed no significant association between taste function and memory. CONCLUSIONS: Memory function may be associated with olfactory impairment but not with gustatory function in older adults.

DOI： 10.4235/agmr.23.0217

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PubMed

Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本老年療法学会  

【目的】主観的な睡眠の質と身体機能との関連性には,精神・心理的機能と身体活動量が介在すると仮説を立て,これらの関連性を検討することを目的とした。【方法】健康チェック(垂水研究2019)に参加した65歳以上の地域在住高齢者573名(平均年齢74.1±6.4歳,女性61.8%)を対象として横断的に分析した。共分散構造分析を用いて,主観的な睡眠の質を起点とし,身体機能を最終アウトカムとした最適モデルを構築し,男女別でモデルの適合度を確認した。主観的な睡眠の質,身体機能,精神・心理的機能,身体活動を潜在変数とした仮説モデルを設定し,モデルの適合度指標には,CMIN/DF,GFI,AGFI,CFI,RMSEAを用いた。【結果】男性では,適合度が統計学的な水準を満たす良好なモデルが得られなかった。一方で,女性では主観的な睡眠の質が精神・心理的機能に関連し,身体活動量を介して身体機能に間接的に関連するモデル(CMIN/DF=1.592,GFI=0.964,AGFI=0.944,CFI=0.954,RMSEA=0.041)で高い適合度が得られた。【結論】地域在住高齢女性において,主観的な睡眠の質が不良であることが,精神・心理的機能の低下や身体活動量の低下を介して,身体機能の低下に関連することが示唆された。(著者抄録)

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Introduction Although arterial stiffness has been suggested to be associated with poor physical function and mild cognitive impairment (MCI), its association with cognitive frailty (CF), a comorbidity of both, is unclear. This study aims to examine the association between CF and arterial stiffness in community-dwelling older adults. Methods A cross-sectional analysis of 511 community-dwelling older adults aged 65 years or older (mean age 73.6 ± 6.2 years, 63.6% women), who participated in a community cohort study (Tarumizu Study, 2019), was conducted. Poor physical function was defined as either slowness (walking speed < 1.0 m/sec), or weakness (grip strength < 28 kg for men and < 18 kg for women). MCI was defined by the National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology Functional Assessment Tool as a decline of at least 1.5 standard deviation from age- and education-adjusted baseline values in any one of the four cognitive domains (memory, attention, executive, and information processing). CF was defined as the combination of poor physical function and MCI. Arterial stiffness was measured using the Cardio-Ankle Vascular Index (CAVI), and the average of the left and right sides (mean CAVI) was used. Results Multinomial logistic regression analysis adjusted for covariates was performed with the four groups of robust, poor physical function, MCI, and CF as dependent variables and mean CAVI as an independent variable. Using the robust group as reference, the poor physical function and MCI groups showed no significant relationship with the mean CAVI. The mean CAVI was significantly higher in the CF group (odds ratio 1.62, 95% confidence interval 1.14-2.29). Conclusion A significant association was found between CF and the higher CAVI (progression of arterial stiffness). Careful observation and control of CAVI, which is also an indicator of arterial stiffness, may be a potential target for preventive interventions for CF.

DOI： 10.1159/000536653

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PubMed

Language：Japanese   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Elsevier BV  

DOI： 10.1016/j.jamda.2024.02.002

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PubMed

Language：Japanese   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Springer Science and Business Media LLC  

DOI： 10.1007/s41999-023-00927-2

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PubMed

Other Link： https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s41999-023-00927-2/fulltext.html

Language：English   Publisher：John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd  

Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本基礎理学療法学会  

Language：Japanese   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：SAGE Publications  

Introduction:

Meaningful activities have been suggested to contribute to life satisfaction. Investigating the association between the awareness of meaningful activities and life satisfaction will help us develop a population-based occupational therapy strategy. The purpose of this study was to investigate the proportion of people who were aware of meaningful activities among middle-aged adults, and the relationship between the awareness of meaningful activities and life satisfaction.

Method:

A cross-sectional analysis was conducted on 2698 middle-aged adults who participated in an online survey conducted in Japan by the Y-Cloud system. Participants responded to demographic questions, life satisfaction, and awareness of meaningful activities. We examined the association between the awareness of meaningful activities and life satisfaction using binomial logistic regression analysis.

Results:

Of the respondents, 77.4% were aware of meaningful activities. Binomial logistic regression analysis adjusted for covariates showed that the awareness of meaningful activities was significantly associated with higher life satisfaction (odds ratio, 2.97; 95% confidence interval: 2.45–3.61, p &lt; 0.001).

Conclusion:

The results suggest the value of presenting that the awareness of meaningful activities should be considered in preventive population-based occupational therapy strategies for life satisfaction.

DOI： 10.1177/03080226241253110

Scopus

Other Link： https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full-xml/10.1177/03080226241253110

Language：Japanese   Publisher：Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience  

Introduction: Cerebral white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) are commonly found in the aging brain and have been implicated in the initiation and severity of many central nervous system diseases. Furthermore, an increased WMH volume indicates reduced brain health in older adults. This study investigated the association between WMH volume and physical activity in older adults with depressive symptoms (DS) and mild memory impairment (MMI). Factors associated with the WMH volume were also investigated. Methods: A total of 57 individuals aged over 65 years with DS and MMI were included in this study. The participants underwent magnetic resonance imaging to quantify WMH volumes. After WMH volume was accumulated, normalized to the total intracranial volume (TIV), the percentage of WMH volume was calculated. In addition, all participants wore a triaxial accelerometer for 2 weeks, and the average daily physical activity and number of steps were measured. The levels of blood biomarkers including cortisol, interleukin-6 (IL-6), brain-derived insulin-like growth factor-1, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor were measured. Motor and cognitive functions were also assessed. Results: Faster maximum walking speed and longer time spent engaged in moderate physical activity were associated with a smaller percent of WMH volume, whereas higher serum IL-6 levels were associated with a larger percent of WMH volume. The number of steps per day, time spent engaged in low levels of physical activity, cognitive function, and all other measured biomarkers were not significantly associated with percent of WMH volume. Discussion: Higher blood inflammatory cytokine levels, shorter duration of moderate physical activity, and lower maximum walking speed were associated with a higher percent of WMH volume. Our results provide useful information for maintaining brain health in older adults at a high risk of developing dementia and may contribute to the development of preventive medicine for brain health.

DOI： 10.3389/fnagi.2024.1337397

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PubMed

Language：Japanese   Publisher：Japanese Society of Physical Therapy Oncology Lymphedema  

<p>Objective: To evaluate the associations between preoperative possible sarcopenia (PS) related postoperative complications and prolonged duration of hospitalization in patients with gastric or colorectal cancer by measuring handgrip strength decline and five-time sit-to-stand test delay. <br>Methods: Seventy-five patients who were admitted to an acute hospital and discharged after surgery were included in this study. We determined preoperative PS, hand grip strength decline, and five-time sit-to-stand test delay according to the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia 2019 to establish the association between the occurrence of postoperative complications and length of hospital stay. <br>Results: Although PS was significantly associated with the occurrence of postoperative complications and prolonged duration of hospitalization postoperatively. Hand grip strength decline and five-time sit-to-stand test delay were not significantly associated with the occurrence of postoperative complications and prolonged duration of hospitalization. <br>Conclusion: Our findings show that preoperative PS is associated with the occurrence of postoperative complications and prolonged duration of hospitalization in patients with gastric and colorectal cancer.</p>

DOI： 10.60366/jjptol.jjptol-r5-a11

Language：Japanese   Publisher：Journal of Applied Gerontology  

With the rapid development of information and communication technology, smartphone ownership has increased among older adults. While previous research has examined the impact of smartphone use on the health of older adults, this study focuses on the less-explored relationship between smartphone use, proficiency, and health-related outcomes including higher-level competence. The study was a cross-sectional survey of 208 community-dwelling older adults who used smartphones daily. Smartphone use, including years of use and applications, was assessed and categorized by age group. Health-related outcomes were measured, including cognitive and psychological function, higher-level competence, basic daily abilities, and physical function. The results indicated that smartphone proficiency decreased with age, with older adults primarily using basic smartphone applications. Notably, higher smartphone proficiency was positively associated with higher-level competence and physical functions. The study underscores the importance of considering smartphone proficiency when assessing older adults’ life skills and physical performance in our digital society.

DOI： 10.1177/07334648241261885

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PubMed

Language：Japanese   Publisher：Journal of Applied Gerontology  

Older adults who cease driving are more likely to experience psychosomatic decline than those who continue driving. This mixed-methods study was intended to examine differences in psychosomatic functions depending on driving status and lifestyle activities, and factors affecting engagement in additional lifestyle activities after driving cessation. The quantitative analysis included individuals aged 60 and above. Driving status, lifestyle activities, and psychosomatic functions were assessed. For qualitative analysis, semi-structured interviews were conducted with the driving-cessation group to determine the factors affecting involvement in various lifestyle activities after driving cessation. Analysis of covariance was used for quantitative data, while text mining and qualitative inductive analysis were used for qualitative data. Older adults who engaged in more lifestyle activities walked faster than those who engaged in fewer lifestyle activities, even after driving cessation. Actively using local and personal resources may increase engagement in lifestyle activities after driving cessation.

DOI： 10.1177/07334648241277043

Scopus

PubMed

Language：Japanese   Publisher：European Geriatric Medicine  

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of satisfaction with meaningful activities and their performance on the memory function among community-dwelling older adults 3 years later. Methods: A longitudinal analysis was conducted on 288 community-dwelling older adults aged 65 years and more who had completed the survey in 2019 and 2022 as participants in the Tarumizu Study. Meaningful activities were assessed in 2019 using the Aid for Decision-Making in Occupation Choice for activities. Satisfaction with and performance of meaningful activities were assessed, and the bottom 25% were classified into two groups: low satisfaction and low performance. Memory function was assessed using the National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology-Functional Assessment Tool in 2019 and 2022. Changes in memory function over 3 years were analyzed by satisfaction and performance of meaningful activities. Results: Two-way analysis of variance with group (satisfaction with and performance of meaningful activities) and time (2019 and 2022) as factors showed no statistically significant group-time interaction for memory in the satisfaction with meaningful activities group (F = 1.4, p = 0.24). Meanwhile, a statistically significant group-time interaction was observed for memory in the meaningful activity performance group, indicating that high performance of meaningful activities may play a protective role against memory decline (F = 7.4, p = 0.007). Conclusion: Higher performance of meaningful activities may protect against age-related changes in memory. A careful assessment of meaningful activities, and engagement that enhances performance may be useful in designing health support against memory decline.

DOI： 10.1007/s41999-024-01044-4

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PubMed

Language：Japanese   Publisher：Society for Applied Gerontology - Japan  

<p>Japan has rapidly become a super-aging society, resulting in a significant increase in average life expectancy. </p><p>According to the changes of the society, the functional capacity of older adult has improved significantly, and the number of vivid older people is increasing. The “Japan Science Technology Agency Index of Competence（JST-IC）is a recently developed to assess such higher functional capacity of the older adults.</p><p>In this study, we used data of JST-IC which have been collected in the “Integrated Longitudinal Study on Aging in Japan: ILSA-J” and evaluated the status of the functional capacity of the community-dwelling older people.</p><p>The average and standard deviation of JST-IC score were calculated by gender and age-group for the total score and the four subscales（social engagement, technology usage, information practice and life management）. As a result, gender differences were observed in all items except information practice, and significant differences were found between age groups in all items for both men and women, with scores decreasing with age. These data will shed light on some of the high level of functional capacity of the older people and will be a useful resource for future utilization of the JST-IC.</p>

DOI： 10.60455/sagj.18.1_107

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

BACKGROUND: Physical frailty accelerates the timing of both subsequent disability and death; however, evidence regarding the impact of frailty on the period from disability onset to death and sex differences of this impact is lacking. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship among physical frailty, disability, death, and sex differences. METHODS: This Japanese cohort study included 10,524 community-dwelling people aged ≥65 years. Physical frailty was operationalized by key phenotypes as per Fried's criteria (slowness, weakness, exhaustion, weight loss, and low activity) at baseline. We calculated hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for disability onset and post-disability survival according to the frailty status. RESULTS: During a 5-year follow-up, the risk of disability onset for pre-frailty (HR: 1.74, 95% CI: 1.51-2.00) and frailty (HR: 3.27, 95% CI: 2.77-3.87) were significantly higher than that for robust people. Furthermore, among participants who developed disabilities within 5 years (n = 1481), the risk of post-disability death for pre-frailty was not different from that for robust (HR: 1.49, 95% CI: 0.99-2.24), but frailty showed a higher risk of post-disability death than did robust people. (HR: 1.75, 95% CI: 1.13-2.72). In the sex-stratified analysis, although the female group showed no association between frailty status and post-disability death (HR: 1.21, 95% CI: 0.63-2.33 in pre-frailty; HR: 1.24, 95% CI: 0.60-2.57 in frailty), the male group showed higher risk of post-disability death in both pre-frailty (HR: 1.74, 95% CI: 1.03-2.96) and frailty (HR: 2.32, 95% CI: 1.32-4.09). CONCLUSIONS: Physical frailty shortens the period from disability onset to death. Additionally, the impact of frailty on post-disability death is greater for males than for females. Our findings suggest that physical frailty is an important clinical indicator distinct from disability and that interventions to prevent and address frailty in men need further investigation.

DOI： 10.1111/jgs.18725

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PubMed

Language：Japanese   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Wiley  

Aim

The present study aimed to examine whether dietary diversity is associated with cognitive impairment, including mild cognitive impairment (MCI), in community‐dwelling older Japanese adults.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study was carried out in a general community setting. MCI and global cognitive impairment (GCI) were assessed using the Mini‐Mental State Examination and National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology‐Functional Assessment Tool, which are multicomponent neurocognitive tests that include memory attention, executive function and processing speed. Dietary diversity was assessed using the diet variety score. The diet variety score assessed the 1‐week consumption frequency of 10 food groups, and either 0 or 1 point was allocated to each category based on the following responses: (i) “eat almost every day” (1 point); and (ii) “not eaten almost daily” (0 points). Older adults with a diet variety score of ≥3 points were defined as having high dietary diversity.

Results

Data included 8987 older adults (mean age 73.9 ± 5.5 years; men 44.3%). The overall prevalences of MCI and GCI were 17.1% (n = 1538) and 8.4% (n = 753), respectively. The proportion of patients with a high dietary diversity was 69.9% (n = 6286). Multinomial logistic regression analysis revealed high dietary diversity was associated with MCI (OR 0.83, 95% CI 0.73–0.94) and GCI (OR 0.77, 95% CI 0.65–0.92) after adjusting for covariates.

Conclusions

This study had a large sample size of older Japanese adults, and showed that high dietary diversity was associated with a lower proportion of MCI and GCI among older adults. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2023; ••: ••–••.

DOI： 10.1111/ggi.14762

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PubMed

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

BACKGROUND: Sarcopenia is a clinical issue in older adults that leads to serious adverse health outcomes, including disability. The present study investigated whether dietary diversity affects the incidence of disability in older adults with sarcopenia. METHOD: Participants were 759 Japanese older adults with sarcopenia (mean age 77.2 ± 6.0 years; 44.4 % men) who were aged ≥65 years at the time of the examination. Sarcopenia was diagnosed according to the recommendations of the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People 2. Dietary diversity was assessed using a diet variety score. This diet variety score assessed the one-week consumption frequency of ten food groups, according to the following responses: "eat almost every day" (1 point), or "not eaten almost daily" (0 points). Older adults with a diet variety score of 3 or more points were defined as having high dietary diversity. Incident disability was certified by long-term care insurance (mean follow-up duration 32 months). RESULTS: The cumulative disability incidence rates in the older adults with low dietary diversity and high dietary diversity were 23.3 % and 16.9 %, respectively. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis revealed high dietary diversity was associated with a lower risk of incident disability in older adults with sarcopenia (hazard ratio 0.66, 95 % confidence interval 0.47-0.92; p = 0.015), after adjusting for covariates. CONCLUSIONS: This longitudinal study revealed that high dietary diversity is associated with a lower risk of incident disability among sarcopenic Japanese older adults.

DOI： 10.1016/j.maturitas.2023.107887

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PubMed

Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本作業療法士協会  

Language：English  

DOI： 10.1111/ggi.14655

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PubMed

Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本老年医学会  

Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本老年医学会  

Language：Japanese   Publisher：一般社団法人 日本予防理学療法学会  

DOI： 10.57304/jptp.jptp-k-23-00002

Language：Japanese   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

BACKGROUND: Walking is the most important mode of human locomotion; however, the ability to walk often decreases with age. Age-related differences in lower-limb kinematics during gait may differ depending on sex. However, the question of the compounded effects of age and sex on gait kinematics remains unsolved. RESEARCH QUESTION: The present study aimed to clarify the interaction between age and sex in differences in gait kinematics of community-dwelling middle-age and older individuals. METHODS: This study included 836 community-dwelling middle-age and older adults (61.8 % female). Joint motion during comfortable gait was measured using magnetic and inertial measurement units. Hip, knee, and ankle joint angles were calculated in the sagittal plane. Participants were divided into four groups according to age: 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, and 80-89 years. The interaction of sex and age on spatiotemporal gait parameters and the peak value of joint angles was analyzed using two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's post hoc test. RESULTS: Gait speed (F = 43.92, P < 0.001), step length (F = 73.00, P < 0.001), hip extension (F = 12.89, P = 0.002), knee flexion (F = 39.99, P < 0.001), and ankle plantar flexion (F = 27.43, P < 0.001) significantly decreased with age. Significant differences according to sex were observed in all parameters except gait speed. Significant age and sex interaction effects were observed for knee flexion (F = 4.97, P = 0.002) and ankle dorsiflexion (F = 4.04, P = 0.007). SIGNIFICANCE: A significant interaction effect of age and sex was observed for peak angle of knee flexion and ankle dorsiflexion during gait. In particular, the knee flexion angle among females during gait began to decrease from 60 years of age, and the decreasing trend was faster and more prominent than that among males.

DOI： 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2023.05.009

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PubMed

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to determine if achieving a 10-m walk target within the first week of stroke onset correlates with independent outdoor walking at discharge and discharge to home for patients with stroke. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 226 patients transferred to the subacute rehabilitation hospital (SRH) between January 2018 and March 2021. Data obtained from hospital records included age, sex, stroke type, lesion side, body mass index, presence of acute treatment, length of days from onset to physical therapy intervention, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, length of hospital stay, Functional Independence Measure score, and the ability to complete the 10 m walk target within the first week of stroke onset. The primary outcomes were independent outdoor walking ability and discharge destination from the SRH. A logistic regression analysis was performed to determine if the 10 m walking ability correlated with the outdoor walking ability and discharge destination. RESULTS: Compared with the inability to walk 10 m, walking 10 m independently walking within the first week of stroke onset correlated with the ability to walk independently outdoors at discharge (odds ratio [OR]: 4.38, p = 0.003) and being discharged home (OR: 4.52, p = 0.002), whereas, walking 10 m with assistance was associated with being discharged home (OR: 3.09, p = 0.043). CONCLUSIONS: The ability to walk 10 m within the first week of stroke onset may be a helpful marker for prognosis.

DOI： 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2023.107145

Scopus

PubMed

Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本老年医学会  

Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本老年医学会  

Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本老年医学会  

Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本老年医学会  

Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本老年医学会  

Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本老年医学会  

Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本老年医学会  

Language：English   Publisher：John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd  

垂水研究に参加した高齢者を対象として、墓参りと抑うつ症状およびアパシーとの関連を調べた。評価項目は高齢者うつ尺度、墓参りに関する項目(墓参りの有無、頻度、移動時間、移動手段、供花)などとした。高齢者を墓参状況により、頻繁群240名(週1回以上、平均74.9±6.4歳、女性170名)、不定期群346名(週1回未満、平均73.8±6.4歳、女性195名)、非墓参群52名(墓参せず、平均74.6±7.1歳、女性32名)に分けて検討した。その結果、非墓参群は墓参群と比較して、アパシー有病率が有意に高かった。潜在的共変量調整後のポアソン回帰分析の結果、非墓参群はアパシーと有意に関連していた。以上のように、高齢者において墓参りをしないこととアパシーには有意な関連があることが示された。

Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本老年医学会  

Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本老年医学会  

Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本循環器病予防学会  

Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本循環器病予防学会  

Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本老年医学会  

Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本老年医学会  

Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本老年医学会  

Language：Japanese   Publisher：The Japan Geriatrics Society  

DOI： 10.3143/geriatrics.60.127

Language：Japanese   Publisher：Society of Allied Health Sciences  

<p>【Objective】</p><p>In recent years, the use of virtual reality technology has spread rapidly in the medical and welfare fields and has also found its way in rehabilitation. Nintendo Wii^Ⓡ is one of the most widely used virtual reality systems in the world owing to its ease of use, cost, and accessibility at home. However, to date, the reports of its use in patients with brain tumors are limited. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Wii^Ⓡ‐based rehabilitation for patients with brain tumors.</p><p>【Methods】</p><p>A scoping review was conducted using PubMed (MEDLINE), the Cochrane Library, and Ichu‐shi Web databases as well as a hand search of the English and Japanese literature from 2006 to 2021. Prior to the literature search, keywords and synonyms related to brain tumors and Wii^Ⓡ were identified, and a search formula was developed to include them. Articles were selected based on a specific inclusion and exclusion criteria.</p><p>【Results】</p><p>Of the 155 identified studies, three were eligible for review. Subjects included pediatric and adult patients with brain tumors. Wii^Ⓡ‐based rehabilitation was shown to be effective for physical function, activities of daily living (ADL), motivation for physical activity, and distraction from the hospital environment for patients with brain tumors.</p><p>【Conclusion】</p><p>Wii^Ⓡ‐based rehabilitation was suggested to improve physical function, ADL, and mental status in patients with brain tumors. However, the number of the studies included━only three━was insufficient to demonstrate the efficacy of Wii^Ⓡ‐based rehabilitation in terms of the study design. We therefore hope that more rigorously designed intervention studies will validate its efficacy.</p>

DOI： 10.15563/jalliedhealthsci.14.45

Language：Japanese   Publisher：保健医療学学会  

【目的】任天堂Wii(以下,Wii)は活用の用途が拡大しリハビリテーション(以下,リハ)に応用されるが,脳腫瘍患者を対象にした報告は限られている.今回,脳腫瘍患者に対するWiiリハの有効性を評価することを目的とした.【方法】PubMed,Cochrane Library,医学中央雑誌の各電子データベースとハンドサーチを用いたスコーピングレビューを行った.対象期間は2006年～2021年,言語は日本語と英語とした.【結果】検索された155件から3件が選択された.Wiiリハは脳腫瘍患者の身体機能やADL,身体活動への動機づけ,入院環境からの気晴らしについて有効であることが示唆された.【結論】Wiiリハは脳腫瘍患者の身体機能やADL,精神面を改善する可能性が示唆された一方,選択されたのは3件のみで,いずれも研究デザインの側面でWiiリハの有効性を明示するには不十分であった.さらに厳密なデザインの介入研究により効果を検証することが望ましい.(著者抄録)

Language：Japanese   Publisher：(公社)日本産業衛生学会  

Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本老年医学会  

COVID-19の流行拡大によって,地域でのサロンや通いの場などの互助活動は多大な制約を受ける状況となった.フレイルの入口となり得る社会とのつながりが損なわれる事態が懸念される一方で,運動教室を通じて社会交流の活性や社会活動が促進される事例も経験される.感染症の拡大防止と並行して,社会面からのフレイル対策として新たなコミュニケーションツールの活用を含めた社会とのつながりや自助による健康増進も再考していく必要がある.(著者抄録)

Other Link： https://search.jamas.or.jp/default/link?pub_year=2023&ichushi_jid=J01214&link_issn=&doc_id=20230529130005&doc_link_id=10.3143%2Fgeriatrics.60.127&url=https%3A%2F%2Fdoi.org%2F10.3143%2Fgeriatrics.60.127&type=J-STAGE&icon=https%3A%2F%2Fjk04.jamas.or.jp%2Ficon%2F00007_3.gif

Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本老年医学会  

COVID-19の流行拡大によって,地域でのサロンや通いの場などの互助活動は多大な制約を受ける状況となった.フレイルの入口となり得る社会とのつながりが損なわれる事態が懸念される一方で,運動教室を通じて社会交流の活性や社会活動が促進される事例も経験される.感染症の拡大防止と並行して,社会面からのフレイル対策として新たなコミュニケーションツールの活用を含めた社会とのつながりや自助による健康増進も再考していく必要がある.(著者抄録)

Other Link： https://search.jamas.or.jp/default/link?pub_year=2023&ichushi_jid=J01214&link_issn=&doc_id=20230529130005&doc_link_id=10.3143%2Fgeriatrics.60.127&url=https%3A%2F%2Fdoi.org%2F10.3143%2Fgeriatrics.60.127&type=J-STAGE&icon=https%3A%2F%2Fjk04.jamas.or.jp%2Ficon%2F00007_3.gif

Language：Japanese   Publisher：(公社)日本産業衛生学会  

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to clarify the association between changes in satisfaction with meaningful activities and the occurrence of depressive symptoms before and during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. DESIGN: A population-based prospective cohort study (Tarumizu Study). SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: A total of 231 community-dwelling older adults aged ≥65 years without depressive symptoms at baseline. METHODS: The participants completed baseline (June to December 2018, before the COVID-19 pandemic) and follow-up (September to December 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic) assessments. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15) and defined by a GDS-15 score of ≥5. Participants selected meaningful activities from the 95 activities included in the Aid for Decision-Making in Occupation Choice, and their satisfaction levels were evaluated. Satisfaction with the most meaningful activities was assessed as to whether it was maintained/improved or decreased at follow-up. RESULTS: In the follow-up survey, 31 (14.3%) participants reported the occurrence of depressive symptoms. Compared with before the COVID-19 pandemic, the rates of meaningful activities during the COVID-19 pandemic decreased for interpersonal interaction and social life and increased for leisure, sports, self-care, and domestic life. Logistic regression analysis revealed that changes in satisfaction with meaningful activity were associated with the occurrence of depressive symptoms after adjusting for demographic variables, baseline GDS scores, cognitive and physical status, and instrumental activities of daily living (odds ratio, 2.78; 95% confidence interval, 1.17-6.59, P = .020). CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: To avoid decreasing satisfaction with meaningful activities, supporting older adults may be protective against the occurrence of depressive symptoms. Our findings highlight the need for health care professionals to not only encourage older adults to participate in activities for their mental health but also consider whether the activities are meaningful or satisfying for them.

DOI： 10.1016/j.jamda.2023.03.010

Scopus

PubMed

Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本地域理学療法学会  

【目的】地域理学療法の標準化されたアウトカム評価指標(Standardized Outcome Measures: SOM)の作成・普及に向け,アウトカム評価指標の使用状況と必要条件,および障壁を調査することを目的とした.【方法】日本地域理学療法学会会員の中で要介護認定者への通所,訪問,施設サービスに従事する者を対象にwebアンケートを実施した.【結果】回答数は188名.アウトカム評価指標の使用に対して83.5%は重要と認識している一方,日常的に使用している者は44.7%であった.必要条件としては,尺度特性で信頼性や変化の検出可能性,測定方法で評価に必要な準備物や金銭的負担,実施時間が各々上位2つであった.また,障壁としては,教育不足や仲間と話す機会の不足が上位2つであった.【結論】アウトカム評価指標への重要性に対する認識と実際の使用状況との間に乖離を認めた.アウトカム評価指標の日常的な使用に至るには,実用性を考慮したSOMの作成と地域理学療法に特徴的な障壁に対処していく必要があると考える.(著者抄録)

Language：Japanese   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Wiley  

DOI： 10.1111/psyg.12945

Scopus

PubMed

Other Link： https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full-xml/10.1111/psyg.12945

Language：Japanese   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Elsevier BV  

DOI： 10.1016/j.exger.2022.112041

Scopus

PubMed

Language：Japanese   Publisher：International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health  

This study aimed to characterize cognitive function examined using Cognitive-related Behavioral Assessment (CBA) in activities of daily living (ADLs). According to CBA severity at discharge, 791 patients were assigned to five groups (most severe, severe, moderate, mild, and normal). The total scores for Functional Independence Measure (FIM) motor items were compared for each group. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to clarify the association between CBA severity and independence in ADL items. Independence in each ADL according to CBA severity was 0–4.8%, 26.8–45.0%, 84.3–91.0%, and 97.2–100% for all ADLs in the most severe to severe, moderate, mild, and normal groups, respectively. Significant differences were found in the FIM motor score according to CBA severity between the groups (p < 0.01). A mild or normal CBA was associated with a higher odds ratio (OR) for dressing the upper body (OR = 21.90; 95% confidence interval (CI), 13.50–35.70), bladder management (OR = 11.60; 95% CI, 7.21–18.60), transfers to the bed/chair/wheelchair (OR = 18.30; 95% CI, 11.40–29.40), transfers to the toilet (OR = 18.30; 95% CI, 11.40–29.30), and walking (OR = 6.60; 95% CI, 10.60–26.10). A CBA severity greater than mild (23 points) was associated with independence in ADLs that are important for discharge to home.

DOI： 10.3390/ijerph20043005

Scopus

PubMed

Language：Japanese   Publisher：International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health  

In general, the perception of behavior change may be associated with habitual exercise. However, this association might not be well-understood due to the state of emergency of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study collected data from 1499 internet users aged 20–86 years living in Japan who participated in the online survey from 26 to 27 February 2021. Having a perception of behavior change was defined as preparation, action, and maintenance of the transtheoretical model. The habitual exercise was defined as 600 metabolic equivalent min/week or more based on the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to calculate the odds ratio of habitual exercise and a 95% confidence interval was estimated after adjusting for related factors. We found that perception of behavior change was positively associated with habitual exercise (adjusted odds ratio = 2.41, 95%CI = 1.89–3.08), and similar associations were found in states of emergency (2.69, 1.97–3.69) and non-emergency (2.01, 1.34–3.01). Moreover, women were negatively associated in all analyses with habitual exercise compared to men (0.63, 0.49–0.80; 0.65, 0.44–0.96; 0.62, and 0.45–0.84, respectively). Thus, the perception of behavior change may be involved in the implementation of habitual exercise, suggesting that women face difficulties in engaging in habitual exercise.

DOI： 10.3390/ijerph20010356

Scopus

PubMed

Language：Japanese   Publisher：Japanese Society of Community-based Comprehensive Physical Therapy  

<p>Objective: To investigate the practice, requirements, and barriers to the development and disperse of standardized outcome measures (SOM) for community-based physical therapy.</p><p>Methods: A web-based questionnaire was sent to members of the Japanese Society of Community-based Comprehensive Physical Therapy who are engaged in day-care, home-visit, and facility services to people requiring long-term care.</p><p>Results: A total of 188 responded to the survey. While 83.5% recognized the importance of using outcome measures, only 44.7% used them routinely. The top two requirements were reliability and detectability of change for the scale characteristics, and the measurement method were the preparation and financial burden required for the assessment, and the time required to conduct the assessment. The top two barriers were lack of education and lack of opportunities to talk with peers.</p><p>Conclusion: We found a gap between the recognition of the importance of outcome measures and their implementation. In order to reach routine use of outcome measures, it is necessary to development SOM that take into account practicality and address barriers characteristic of community-based physical therapy.</p>

DOI： 10.57351/jjccpt.jjccpt22004

Language：Japanese   Publisher：一般社団法人 日本運動器理学療法学会  

DOI： 10.57281/jofmpt.3.s60

Language：Japanese   Publisher：一般社団法人 日本基礎理学療法学会  

DOI： 10.24780/jjptf.p-02-62

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Older adults are more likely to have age-related sleep problems, which may result in the reduction of cognitive functions. This study was designed to examine the relationship between sleep onset problem and subjective cognitive complaints (SCC) among community-dwelling older adults during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. In this study, 186 older adults aged 65 and above were enrolled and were instructed to respond to an online survey. This survey comprised questions regarding sleep quality (four items such as sleep duration, use of sleep medication), SCC (six domains), and sociodemographic information (eight items such as age, gender, stress condition). We classified the participants into two groups according to the presence or absence of sleep onset problem and examined the relationship between each SCC domain. The sleep onset problem (+) (n = 70) group had significantly higher frequency of scheduled memory decline, misplacement, disorientation in time, word recall decline, and forgetfulness. Furthermore, the sleep onset problem affected the participants' scheduled memory after adjusted for potential covariates (OR, 2.28; 95%CI, 1.13-4.73; p = 0.02). Older adults with sleep onset problem may need to be evaluated for SCC and supported in term of both sleep status and SCC.

DOI： 10.3390/ijerph20010156

Scopus

PubMed

Language：Japanese   Publisher：日本予防理学療法学会  

<p>【はじめに、目的】</p><p>勤労者の健康上の問題として腰痛があり、腰痛はプレゼンティーズム（健康上の問題による労働遂行能力の低下）を引き起こす要因のひとつとされている。COVID-19の流行はテレワークの導入など働き方に大きな変化をもたらしており、勤労者の腰痛やプレゼンティーズムに影響を与えている可能性がある。これらを検討し対策に結び付けることは産業理学療法の領域において重要である。本研究はCOVID-19流行前後における勤労者の腰痛の変化とプレゼンティーズムとの関連を明らかにすることを目的とした。</p><p>【方法】</p><p>本研究は、2020年10月に実施したオンライン調査による横断研究である。40-64歳の勤労者1865名（平均年齢49.6 ± 6.6歳、女性29.1%）を解析対象とした。腰痛の変化は、COVID-19流行以降に痛くなり始めた、悪くなった、変化しなかった、良くなった、腰痛なしから択一式にて調査した。痛くなり始めた、悪くなったと回答した者を腰痛悪化とした。労働生産性はWork Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaireを使用し、2019年10月、2020年10月の2時点におけるプレゼンティーズムを評価した。プレゼンティーズムを0点（仕事への影響なし）から10点（完全な仕事の妨げ）の11段階で評価し、先行研究に準じて1点以上をプレゼンティーズムありとした。COVID-19流行前の2019年10月時点でプレゼンティーズムなしの1328名（流行前プレゼンティーズムなし群）と同時点でプレゼンティーズムありの537名（流行前プレゼンティーズムあり群）の2群に分類した。コロナ禍の2020年10月時点でプレゼンティーズムのスコアが上昇していれば、流行前プレゼンティーズムなし群はプレゼンティーズム発生、流行前プレゼンティーズムあり群はプレゼンティーズム悪化とした。各群で従属変数を2020年時点でのプレゼンティーズム発生あるいは悪化、独立変数を腰痛悪化とし、腰痛の変化とプレゼンティーズムとの関連を検討した。共変量には年齢、性別、独居、教育歴、うつ病の既往、産業分類、勤務形態の変化（テレワーク）を投入した。</p><p>【結果】</p><p>流行前プレゼンティーズムなし群の102名（7.7%）に腰痛悪化、117名（8.8%）にプレゼンティーズム発生を認めた。また、流行前プレゼンティーズムあり群の107名（19.9%）に腰痛悪化、139名（25.9%）にプレゼンティーズム悪化を認めた。共変量で調整したロジスティック回帰分析の結果、それぞれの群において腰痛悪化は独立して2020年時点のプレゼンティーズム発生（OR：4.26、95%CI：2.41-7.52）あるいは悪化（OR：1.80、95%CI：1.07-3.01）と有意に関連していた。</p><p>【結論】</p><p>COVID-19の流行は一部の勤労者の腰痛を悪化させている可能性があり、腰痛悪化とプレゼンティーズムとの関連が示唆された。今後は感染症流行下において、身体機能や人間工学の知識を有する理学療法士が腰痛対策を行うことの有効性を検証する必要がある。</p><p>【倫理的配慮、説明と同意】</p><p>本研究は、ヘルシンキ宣言および人を対象とする医学系研究に関する倫理指針に基づき、対象者のプライバシーおよび個人情報の保護、研究内容について十分に説明し対象者から同意を得た。また、鹿児島大学疫学研究等倫理委員会からの承認（200101）を得て実施した。</p>

DOI： 10.57304/jsptpsuppl.1.suppl.no.1.0_55

Language：Japanese   Publisher：日本予防理学療法学会  

<p>【はじめに、目的】</p><p>フレイルは、身体的、精神・心理的、社会的といった多様な側面を持ち、可逆性を有することが知られている。社会的フレイルは身体・認知機能の低下より先行して起こるとされているが、社会的フレイルの変化に対して身体機能や認知機能が影響をおよぼす可能性がある。本研究は、地域在住高齢者を対象に筋量、握力、認知機能が社会的フレイルの変化におよぼす影響を調査することを目的とした。</p><p>【方法】</p><p>本研究は、2018年および2019年の地域健康チェック（垂水研究）の両方に参加した65歳以上の高齢者のうち、1回目の測定から2回目の測定まで8～16ヵ月経過（平均345.7±47.9日）している者を対象とした。さらに主要項目に欠損がなく、要介護認定を受けている者を除外した422名（平均年齢 73.8歳、女性64.2%）を解析した。社会的フレイル判定は5 項目（独居、昨年より外出頻度の減少、友人の家を訪ねていない、家族や友人の役に立っていない、誰とも毎日会話をしていない）にて回答を求め、該当数が1項目以下をロバスト、2項目以上を社会的フレイルとした。筋量は、生体電気インピーダンス法にて測定し、四肢骨格筋指数が男性7.0 kg/m ²、女性5.7kg/m ²未満を筋量低下とした。握力は、男性28kg、女性18kg未満を 握力低下とした。認知機能は、NCGG-FATで記憶、注意機能、実行機能、情報処理速度を測定し、年齢と教育歴を考慮した標準値より1.5SD以上の低下を1つ以上の領域で認めた者を認知機能低下とした。</p><p>【結果】</p><p>ベースライン時に社会的フレイルがロバストであった者（369名）のうち、社会的フレイルに移行した割合は11.1%であった。また、ベースライン時に社会的フレイルであった者（53名）のうち、ロバストへ改善した割合は34.0%であった。従属変数をロバストからの低下の有無、独立変数を筋量低下、握力低下、認知機能低下としたロジスティック回帰分析の結果、筋量が低下している者はロバストから社会的フレイルへ移行する可能性が高いことが示された（調整済オッズ比2.19、95%信頼区間1.11-4.29、共変量：年齢、性別）。従属変数を社会的フレイルからの改善の有無としたロジスティック回帰分析では、すべての独立変数に有意差は認めなかった。</p><p>【結論】</p><p>約1年間において、ロバストから社会的フレイルに移行した者は、筋量が低下している者が多く、筋量を高めておくことは社会的フレイルの予防につながる可能性がある。また、社会的フレイルからロバストへ改善した者と社会的フレイルのままだった者では、筋量・握力・認知機能に差がみられず、理学療法においても心身機能に対するアプローチだけでなく、社会的なつながりを促すことによって、社会的フレイルを改善できるかもしれない。</p><p>【倫理的配慮，説明と同意】</p><p>鹿児島大学疫学研究等倫理委員会の承認（170351疫）を得て実施した。ヘルシンキ宣言に基づき、対象者には研究内容について口頭と書面にて説明し同意を得た。</p>

DOI： 10.57304/jsptpsuppl.1.suppl.no.2.0_8

Language：Japanese   Publisher：日本予防理学療法学会  

<p>【はじめに、目的】</p><p>座位行動（Sedentary Behavior：以下、SB）は、エネルギー消費量が1.5METs 以下の覚醒行動であり、SBの蓄積は非感染性疾患の発生や死亡率の増加など、様々な有害事象と関連する。昨今、活動量計を使用し、座位中断回数（以下、Break数）や1回当たりのSBの連続量（以下、SB Bout）など、より詳細なSBの様式を分析した研究が報告されている。SB時間の延長は、サルコペニアのリスクを増大させることが報告されているが、これまでは質問紙にてSB時間を評価した研究が多く、活動量計にて評価される詳細なSBの様式とサルコペニアの関係性は不明な点が多い。これらが明らかとなれば、サルコペニアの新たな対策の知見となる可能性がある。本研究では、サルコペニアに対するBreak数と長時間SB Boutの関係性について検討した。</p><p>【方法】</p><p>地域コホート研究（垂水研究2018）の参加者において、三軸加速度計（HJA-750C Active style Pro オムロンヘルスケア社）にて活動量を計測した地域在住高齢者265名のうち、主要データに欠損がなく基準を満たした208名（74.7±5.9歳、女性59.3%）を対象とした。活動量データの有効基準は週4日以上かつ1日10時間以上とし、活動量の評価項目は、SB時間（分/日）、中高強度身体活動（以下、MVPA）時間（分/日）、Break数（回/座位1時間）、30分以上SB Bout 数、60分以上SB Bout数（いずれも回/日）とした。計測機器の装着時間（分/日）も計測した。サルコペニアは四肢骨格筋指数、握力、歩行速度にて判定した。統計解析は、サルコペニア群と非サルコペニア群の2群間比較を実施した。また、サルコペニアの有無を従属変数、Break数と30分以上、60分以上のSB Bout数を独立変数とした3通りのロジスティック回帰分析を行った。共変量は年齢、性別、MVPA時間とした。</p><p>【結果】</p><p>対象者のサルコペニアの割合は17.3%であった。マンホイットニー検定の結果、Break数は非サルコペニア群7.9（6.3 ‐9.4）回、サルコペニア群6.7（4.7-8.1）回であり、非サルコペニア群が有意に多く（p＜0.01）、60分以上SB Bout数は非サルコペニア群0.9（0.6-1.3）回、サルコペニア群1.4（0.8-1.6）回と有意にサルコペニア群の回数が多かった（p＜0.01）。ロジスティック回帰分析の結果、Break数とサルコペニアの関連は、オッズ比0.81（95%CI：0.68-0.95）、60分以上SB Bout数とサルコペニアの関連は、オッズ比2.08（95%CI：1.27-3.47）であり、いずれも有意にサルコペニアと関連していた。30分以上SB Bout数はサルコペニアと有意な関連を認めなかった。</p><p>【結論】</p><p>MVPA時間と独立して、1時間当たりの座位中断回数と60分以上連続する座位行動の回数はサルコペニアと関連していた。高齢者のサルコペニアに対する理学療法を講じる上で身体活動量の増大は重要であるが、日常生活における座位行動の中断や縮減に着目した指導・介入が重要である事が示唆された。</p><p>【倫理的配慮，説明と同意】</p><p>鹿児島大学疫学研究等倫理委員会の承認（170351疫）を得て実施した。ヘルシンキ宣言に基づき、対象者には研究内容について口頭と書面にて説明し同意を得た。</p>

DOI： 10.57304/jsptpsuppl.1.suppl.no.2.0_4

Language：Japanese   Publisher：日本予防理学療法学会  

<p>【はじめに、目的】</p><p>サルコペニアは転倒や死亡のリスクを増大させる要因であり、サルコペニアの危険因子のひとつには糖尿病が挙げられる。血糖値が糖尿病の基準には満たないが、正常より高い状態は前糖尿病と分類され、前糖尿病は糖尿病へ進行するリスクが高い。サルコペニアの割合はHbA1c値に比例して増加すると報告されており、前糖尿病の段階からサルコペニアの診断基準である筋量、筋力、身体機能が低下している可能性がある。これらを検討することは早期から機能低下を把握する上で重要である。本研究では、地域在住高齢者における前糖尿病および糖尿病と筋量、筋力、身体機能の関係を検討した。</p><p>【方法】</p><p>地域コホート研究（垂水研究2019）に参加した地域在住高齢者687名のうち、脳卒中、認知症の既往、要介護認定者を除く609名（平均74.0±6.3歳、女性62.1%）を対象とした。基礎情報として、年齢、性別、内服数、糖尿病の病歴を聴取した。四肢骨格筋指数（生体電気インピーダンス法）、握力、5回椅子立ち上がりテスト、HbA1c値を測定した。HbA1c値が5.7%未満を非糖尿病群、5.7～6.4%を前糖尿病群とし、6.5%以上または糖尿病の既往がある者を糖尿病群と分類した。四肢骨格筋指数は男性7.0kg/m ²未満、女性5.7kg/m ²未満を筋量低下、握力は男性28kg未満、女性18kg未満を筋力低下とした。また、5回椅子立ち上がりテストは12秒以上を身体機能低下とした。筋量低下、筋力低下、身体機能低下のそれぞれを従属変数とし、糖尿病分類（非糖尿病群、前糖尿病群、糖尿病群）を独立変数としたロジスティック回帰分析を行った。共変量は年齢、性別、多剤併用の有無および筋量低下の有無、筋力低下の有無または身体機能低下の有無とした。</p><p>【結果】</p><p>前糖尿病および糖尿病を有する者の割合はそれぞれ25.0%、15.1% であった。各群における筋量低下の割合は、非糖尿病群40.5%、前糖尿病群33.6%、糖尿病群23.9%であった。筋力低下の割合は、非糖尿病群20.3%、前糖尿病群25.7％、糖尿病群32.6%であった。また、身体機能低下の割合は、非糖尿病群6.6%、前糖尿病群7.9%、糖尿病群14.1%であった。非糖尿病群と比較して前糖尿病群では筋力低下のオッズ比が1.70（95%信頼区間：1.02-2.82）と有意に高かった。非糖尿病群と比較して糖尿病群では筋量低下のオッズ比が0.37（95%信頼区間：0.20-0.69）と有意に低かった。また、糖尿病群では筋力低下のオッズ比が2.10（95%信頼区間：1.15-3.85）、身体機能低下のオッズ比が2.28（95%信頼区間：1.00-5.17）と有意に高かった。</p><p>【結論】</p><p>非糖尿病の者と比較して、前糖尿病を有する者では筋力が低下しており、糖尿病を有する者では筋量は保持しているが、筋力および身体機能が低下していることが示唆された。筋力低下や身体機能低下は将来の日常生活動作能力の低下に影響するため、前糖尿病や糖尿病を有する者は早期から運動介入を検討することが必要だろう。</p><p>【倫理的配慮、説明と同意】</p><p>本研究は鹿児島大学疫学研究等倫理委員会の承認（170351疫）を得て実施した。ヘルシンキ宣言に基づき、対象者には研究内容について口頭と書面にて説明をし、同意を得た。</p>

DOI： 10.57304/jsptpsuppl.1.suppl.no.1.0_6

Language：Japanese   Publisher：日本予防理学療法学会  

<p>【はじめに、目的】</p><p>新型コロナウイルス感染症（COVID-19）の流行下では様々な生活様式の変化が生じ、日常生活での活動制限により、身体の衰えを感じることが少なくない。とくに中年期での腰痛の発生は労働生産性の低下を招く危険があり、予防が重要であると考えられる。本研究では、中年者を対象として外出自粛の生活で自覚された身体の衰えが腰痛の発生に影響するかを検証することを目的とした。</p><p>【方法】</p><p>40歳以上のYahoo!クラウドソーシング登録者を対象に縦断的なインターネット調査を行った。初回調査（2020年10月19日～28日）で回答のあった3,000名に追跡調査（2022年4月8日～22日）を行い、1787名から回答が得られた。そのうち、取込基準を満たし、初回調査で腰痛を有していなかった40～59歳の中年者846名（平均49.0±5.2歳、女性35.0%）を分析対象とした。初回調査から18か月経過した追跡調査において、腰痛ありと回答した者を腰痛の発生とした。初回調査では2020年4月～5月に発出された緊急事態宣言等に伴う外出自粛の影響を受けて身体の衰えを感じるか否かを聴取し、外出自粛による身体の衰えの自覚の有無を判定した。初回調査時点での1日の座位時間（分／日）を国際標準化身体活動質問票で調 べた。コロナ禍での腰痛発生の有無と外出自粛による身体の衰えの自覚の有無をχ²検定で比較した。また、腰痛発生を従属変数、 外出自粛による身体の衰えの自覚の有無を独立変数としたロジスティック回帰分析を行い、オッズ比と95%信頼区間を算出した（年齢、性別、仕事の有無、BMI、座位時間を共変量）。</p><p>【結果】</p><p>18か月後の腰痛の発生者は74名（8.8%）であり、初回調査において外出自粛による身体の衰えの自覚を有する者は221名（26.1%）であった。腰痛の発生者における外出自粛による身体の衰えの自覚を有する者の割合は37.8%であり、腰痛の未発生者での25.0%と比較して有意に高い割合であった（p=0.02）。ロジスティック回帰分析の結果、腰痛の新規発生に対する外出自粛による身体の衰えの自覚ありの調整済みオッズ比は1.94（95%信頼区間1.17̶3.21）であり、コロナ禍での身体の衰えの自覚は将来の腰痛発生に有意に関連することが示された。</p><p>【結論】</p><p>コロナ禍の18か月間の追跡調査で、約1割の中年者で腰痛の発生が認められ、2020年4月頃の外出自粛生活で自覚された身体の衰えが腰痛の発生に関連していることが示唆された。腰痛発生を予防するうえで、自粛を余儀なくされる状況においても、心身機能の維持や生活習慣の改善等によって自覚される身体の健康観を維持することの重要性が確認された。腰痛の予防・改善を図るための理学療法評価および介入を行う上でコロナ渦における身体の衰えの自覚を加味することは有益であると考える。</p><p>【倫理的配慮，説明と同意】</p><p>鹿児島大学疫学研究等倫理審査委員会の承認を得た（承認番号：200101疫‐改1）。</p>

DOI： 10.57304/jsptpsuppl.1.suppl.no.2.0_17

Language：English   Publisher：(一社)日本動脈硬化学会  

65歳以上の地域住民を対象に、心臓足首血管指数(CAVI)と自己報告による睡眠の時間・質の関連性を横断的に調査した。2018～2019年に健康診断を受けた鹿児島県垂水市の高齢者コホート(垂水研究)から、65歳以上の997名(女性622名、年齢中央値74歳)を解析に組み入れた。睡眠時間で3群に分類した。その結果、睡眠時間が8時間以上であった長睡眠群は110名(女性56名、年齢中央値77歳)、6～8時間の中睡眠群は438名(女性269名、年齢中央値74歳)、6時間未満の短睡眠群は449名(女性297名、年齢中央値73歳)であった。この3群で平均CAVIを比較すると、長睡眠群では9.6±1.3となり、中睡眠群(9.1±1.2)または短睡眠群(9.1±1.1)よりも有意に高かった(P<0.001)。各種の因子(年齢、性別、収縮期血圧、現喫煙状態、BMI、運動頻度、学歴、フレイル、睡眠薬、睡眠の質、昼寝時間)で調整を行った多変量回帰分析の結果、長睡眠群のCAVIは中睡眠群よりも有意に高い(p=0.016)ことが証明された。こうした結果とは対照的に、睡眠の質とCAVIの有意な関連性は示されなかった。本解析結果から、高齢者では睡眠時間が長いことが動脈硬化度と相関し、睡眠の質は相関しないことが示唆された。

Language：Japanese   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：MDPI AG  

Patients with heart disease are more likely to experience social frailty due to physical inactivity, which may affect meaningful activities such as hobbies. This study aimed to investigate (1) the association between heart disease and social frailty in community-dwelling older adults and (2) the characteristics of meaningful activities in community-dwelling older adults with heart disease. Data from 630 older adults who participated in a community-based health survey were obtained, including clinical history, meaningful activities, social frailty and psychosomatic functions. Participants were divided into two groups: those with heart disease (n = 79) and those without (n = 551), and comparisons were made. Social frailty was observed in 23.7% of participants with heart disease, and logistic regression revealed significant associations with heart disease and social frailty after adjusting for potential covariates (OR, 1.97; 95% CI, 1.06 3.67; p = 0.032). Participants with heart disease did not differ significantly in terms of satisfaction or performance; their frequency of engagement in meaningful activities was significantly lower than without heart disease (p = 0.041). These results suggest that heart disease and social frailty are associated in community-dwelling older adults, and that this demographic is inclined to engage in meaningful activities less frequently.

DOI： 10.3390/ijerph192215167

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Language：Japanese   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Elsevier BV  

DOI： 10.1016/j.apmr.2022.11.002

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

DOI： 10.1016/j.archger.2022.104845

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：Japanese Society of Physical Therapy  

<p><b>Objective</b>: To determine the association between changes in low back pain and in presenteeism in workers before and after the epidemic of the new coronavirus (COVID-19), and to further examine the association by assessing changes in working patterns.</p><p><b>Methods</b>: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted on 1865 workers (mean age 49.6±6.6 years) who participated in an online survey. We investigated changes in low back pain and presenteeism associated with the COVID-19 epidemic and examined the relationship between worsening low back pain and presenteeism.</p><p><b>Results</b>: Worsening of low back pain was significantly associated with the occurrence of presenteeism in the group without pre-epidemic presenteeism (odds ratio: 4.26, <i>p</i><0.01) and worsening of presenteeism in the group with pre-epidemic presenteeism (odds ratio: 1.80, <i>p</i>=0.01).</p><p><b>Conclusion</b>: The worsening of low back pain following the COVID-19 epidemic was associated with presenteeism, and this association was particularly strong in a group of people who were continuously engaged in office work.</p>

DOI： 10.15063/rigaku.12259

Language：Japanese   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Bone and muscle mass loss are known to occur simultaneously. The alpha-actinin three (ACTN3) genotype has been shown to potentially affect bone and muscle mass. In this study, we investigated the association between the ACTN3 genotype and bone and muscle mass loss in community-dwelling adults aged ≥ 60 years. This study was a cross-sectional analysis of data from 295 participants who participated in a community health checkup. The ACTN3 genotypes were classified as RR, RX, or XX types. Bone mass loss was defined as a calcaneal speed of sound T-score of &lt;-1.32 and &lt;-1.37, and muscle mass loss was defined as an appendicular skeletal muscle index of &lt;7.0 kg/m2 and &lt;5.7 kg/m2 in men and women, respectively. The percentages of XX, RX, and RR in the combined bone and muscle mass loss group were 33.8%, 30.8%, and 16.7%, respectively, with a significantly higher trend for XX. Multinomial logistic regression analysis showed that XX had an odds ratio of 3.00 (95% confidence interval 1.05-8.54) of being in the combined bone and muscle mass loss group compared to the RR group (covariates: age, sex, grip strength, and medications). The ACTN3 genotype of XX is associated with a higher rate of comorbid bone and muscle mass loss. Therefore, ACTN3 genotyping should be considered for preventing combined bone and muscle mass loss.

DOI： 10.3390/jcm11206172

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Elsevier {BV}  

DOI： 10.1016/j.nut.2022.111896

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本理学療法学会連合  

【目的】新型コロナウイルス感染症(以下,COVID-19)の流行前後における就労者の腰痛変化とプレゼンティーズムとの関連を検討し,さらに勤務形態の変化との関連性を明らかにする。【方法】WEB調査で回答のあった就労者1865名(平均年齢49.6±6.6歳)を横断的に解析した。COVID-19流行に伴う腰痛およびプレゼンティーズムの変化を調査し,腰痛悪化とプレゼンティーズムとの関連性を検討した。【結果】腰痛悪化は,流行前プレゼンティーズムなし群におけるプレゼンティーズム発生(オッズ比:4.26,p<0.01),流行前プレゼンティーズムあり群におけるプレゼンティーズム悪化(オッズ比:1.80,p=0.01)と有意に関連していた。【結論】COVID-19の流行に伴う腰痛悪化はプレゼンティーズムと関連することが示唆され,特にその関連性は継続してオフィスワークに従事している集団において強い傾向を認めた。(著者抄録)

Language：Japanese   Publisher：一般社団法人 日本糖尿病理学療法学会  

<p>糖尿病，高血圧，肥満，喫煙などの生活習慣に関わる要因は，認知症の重大な危険因子とされている．とくに，糖尿病は認知症および認知機能障害の発生リスクを増大させるだけでなく，認知機能が低下している中高齢者では将来の糖尿病発症リスクを増大させることが報告されており，双方からの予防対策が重要である．さらに，糖尿病に至らずとも，HbA1c が5.7～6.4％程度の前糖尿病に該当する者でも認知症の発症リスクが高く，さらには脳萎縮の進行が懸念されている． また，糖尿病を合併するフレイル高齢者では，要介護の発生リスクが増大することが報告されており，糖尿病の診断基準に該当しなくとも，前糖尿病の段階からフレイルや身体機能の低下を惹起するリスクが高いことが示唆されている．このように，糖尿病の診断に至らずとも，その前段階である前糖尿病においても，認知症およびフレイルの発生リスクは高く，より早期からの血糖コントロールおよび重症化の予防が重要であろう． 認知症の発症者では，発症の10～12 年程前から身体活動量は低下してくることが指摘されており，継続した身体活動の促進に取り組むことが望ましい．とくに，65 歳以上の高齢者では，座位時間を身体活動（強度は問わない）に置き換えることや，1 週間で150～300 分以上の中強度の有酸素運動，もしくは75～150 分の高強度の有酸素運動に取り組むことが推奨されている．有酸素運動を中心とした身体活動の向上によって，認知症の発症の予防や遅延に効果が期待されている．認知機能の維持・改善に対するより効果的な運動療法としては，運動による身体活動の促進のみではなく，知的な刺激が伴う活動を付加することが推奨される．とりわけ，認知機能の低下が疑われる状態においては，運動のみによる介入では認知機能の改善には限界があると言わざるを得ず，知的な刺激の伴う活動を加えることで認知機能が維持・改善することが期待されている． フレイルに対しては，筋力トレーニングを中心として，有酸素運動，柔軟運動，バランス運動を含めた多面的な運動が推奨されている．血糖コントロールの改善を目指すうえでは，具体的な運動方法の提示とともに，いかに継続できるかの支援も重要であろう．</p>

DOI： 10.51106/ptdm.2.supplement_6

Language：Japanese   Publisher：Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics  

Background: As the population ages, it is important to consider whether older adults tend to have healthier lives. This study examined temporal trends in cognitive function among community-dwelling Japanese older adults. Methods: The data source for this study was Integrated Longitudinal Studies on Aging in Japan (ILSA-J). We collected representative values for the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score obtained in 2010 and 2017; mean, standard deviation, and prevalence of ≤23 as cognitive impairment and ≥28 as intact cognitive function. Six cohorts (n=8,575) in 2010 and seven cohorts (n=6,089) in 2017 were included (age range 65-89). One-group meta-analyses were conducted to calculate pooled means of MMSE scores, the pooled prevalence of MMSE scores ≤23 and ≥28, and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: The mean MMSE score was higher in 2017 than in 2010 for all age groups in both men and women. The prevalence of MMSE ≤23 was lower in 2017 than in 2010 for all age groups for men and was lower in 2017 than in 2010 for all age groups other than for women aged 75–79 years. The prevalence of MMSE ≥28 was higher in 2017 than in 2010 for all age groups in both men and women. In addition, the pooled means of years of education was lower in 2010 than in 2017, which might be an explanatory factor. Conclusions: This study suggests that the cognitive function of community-dwelling Japanese older adults has improved in recent years. Future studies need to identify factors associated with the improvement.

DOI： 10.1016/j.archger.2022.104718

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Language：English   Publisher：John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd  

地域在住高齢者におけるアパシーとフレイルとの横断的な関連について検討した。健康診断調査(垂水調査)に参加した地域在住高齢者882名(平均74.4±6.4歳、女性62.1%)を対象とした。アパシーはGeriatric Depression Scale-3Aで評価し、フレイルは基本チェックリスト(下位尺度;日常生活関連動作、運動器機能、低栄養状態、口腔機能、閉じこもり、認知機能)で評価した。その結果、209名(23.7%)でアパシーが認められた。交絡因子調整後の多項ロジスティック回帰分析の結果、アパシーはプレフレイルおよびフレイルと有意に関連していた。アパシーを有する高齢者では有さない高齢者と比較して、基本チェックリストの日常生活関連動作、運動器機能、口腔機能、認知機能に問題を呈する割合が有意に高かった。以上から、包括的なフレイル評価の重要性が示され、アパシーは老年期の健康に広範かつ有害な影響を及ぼす可能性が示唆された。

Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本作業療法士協会  

Language：Japanese   Publisher：日本転倒予防学会  

Language：Japanese   Publisher：日本転倒予防学会  

Language：Japanese   Publisher：(株)ライフ・サイエンス  

■新型コロナウイルス感染症の流行に伴い、日常での諸々の活動は制限を余儀なくされ、特に高齢者においては孤立や孤独のリスクが増大することが懸念される。高齢期における習慣的な運動は、心身機能や生活の質(QOL)の向上に有用となることが示されており、さらには運動行動を介して社会活動を促進することも期待され、孤立予防のための手段の1つともなり得る。コロナ禍における孤立や孤独の回避に対する対策が必要であると考えられた事例から、孤立予防のための運動を介した社会活動の促進のあり方について再考が必要であろう。(著者抄録)

Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本動脈硬化学会  

Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本動脈硬化学会  

Language：Japanese   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Wiley  

DOI： 10.1111/psyg.12867

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Other Link： https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full-xml/10.1111/psyg.12867

Language：Japanese   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：The Japan Geriatric Therapy Society  

<p>【Aim】 This study aimed to examine the association between car accident history and fall history among community-dwelling older drivers.【Methods】 A cross-sectional analysis was conducted on 602 older drivers (mean age: 72.8 ± 5.6 years, women: 50.0%) who participated in the regional cohort study (Tarumizu Research 2018, 2019) and were driving at 65 years or older. For car accident history, we listened to their accident history for the past two years and classified it into “accident history” and “no accident history.” The fall history was classified into “with fall history” and “no fall history” based on the presence or absence of falls in the past year. In the statistical analysis, a binomial logistic regression analysis was performed with accident history as the dependent variable, fall history as the independent variable, and age and sex as the covariates.【Results】 It was found that 5.6% of the subjects had a history of car accidents, and 13.0% had a history of falls. Among those with a history of car accidents, a significantly higher percentage of people had a history of falls than among those with no history of car accidents (<i>p</i> = 0.003). The logistic regression analysis showed that having a history of falls was significantly associated with having a history of car accidents (odds ratio: 3.12, 95% confidence interval: 1.42–6.85, <i>p</i> = 0.004).【Conclusions】 The results suggested an association between a history of car accidents and a history of falls among community-dwelling older drivers.</p>

DOI： 10.57270/jgts.2022_007

Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本老年療法学会  

地域在住高齢者ドライバーにおける自動車事故歴と転倒歴の関連性について検討した。地域コホート研究(垂水研究2018または2019)に参加した地域在住高齢者1029名のうち、調査時点で自動車運転免許を保有しており自動車運転をしている602名(女性50.0%、平均72.8±5.6歳)を対象とした。過去2年間の自動車事故経験者(事故歴あり)は34名(女性55.9%、平均72.7±4.9歳)、事故歴なしは568名(女性49.6%、平均72.9±5.7歳)であった。過去1年間の転倒経験者は78名(13.0%)であった。事故歴あり群は事故歴なし群に比べ転倒歴を有する割合が有意に高かった。事故歴とその他の変数(年齢、性別、多剤併用、運転頻度、運転距離、GDS-15、身体機能低下、MCI)の関係については群間での有意な差は認められなかった。二項ロジスティック回帰分析では、転倒歴を有することは事故歴を有することと有意な関連を認めた。

Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本老年療法学会  

地域在住高齢者ドライバーにおける自動車事故歴と転倒歴の関連性について検討した。地域コホート研究(垂水研究2018または2019)に参加した地域在住高齢者1029名のうち、調査時点で自動車運転免許を保有しており自動車運転をしている602名(女性50.0%、平均72.8±5.6歳)を対象とした。過去2年間の自動車事故経験者(事故歴あり)は34名(女性55.9%、平均72.7±4.9歳)、事故歴なしは568名(女性49.6%、平均72.9±5.7歳)であった。過去1年間の転倒経験者は78名(13.0%)であった。事故歴あり群は事故歴なし群に比べ転倒歴を有する割合が有意に高かった。事故歴とその他の変数(年齢、性別、多剤併用、運転頻度、運転距離、GDS-15、身体機能低下、MCI)の関係については群間での有意な差は認められなかった。二項ロジスティック回帰分析では、転倒歴を有することは事故歴を有することと有意な関連を認めた。

Language：Japanese   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Elsevier BV  

DOI： 10.1016/j.archger.2022.104665

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PubMed

Language：English   Publisher：John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd  

社会活動が制限された新型コロナウイルス感染症による緊急事態宣言期間における地域在住超高齢者の社会的交流とその後の自己評価健康度(SRH)との関連について検討した。北海道美唄市に在住する超高齢者1112名を対象に自記式質問紙調査を実施した。質問紙では、人口動態変数、2020年3月時点(緊急事態中)の社会的交流の種類(対面、非対面)および頻度、調査時(2020年7月、緊急事態後)のSRHを尋ねた。解答を得た889名のうち、基準を満たした612名(平均83.0±4.3歳、女性51.8%)を解析した。男性では社会的交流とSRHとに有意な関連はみられなかったが、女性では緊急事態宣言中に週1回以上、対面および非対面での交流がいずれもあった者はなかった者よりもSRHが高かった(オッズ比:2.17、95%CI:1.07～4.41)。以上から、対面での交流が制限される状況でも、女性では少なくとも週に1回、対面および非対面での交流の機会を持つことがSRHに有益である可能性が示唆された。

Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本老年医学会  

Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本老年医学会  

Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本老年医学会  

Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本老年医学会  

Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本理学療法学会連合  

【目的】地域在住高齢者における骨量・筋量低下と身体活動との関連性を明らかにすることを目的とした。【方法】地域コホート研究(垂水研究2018)に参加した地域在住高齢者173名を分析対象とした。骨量低下は%YAMが70%以下とし,筋量低下は四肢骨格筋指数がサルコペニアの基準より低いものとした。身体活動量は3軸加速度計を用いて,座位行動時間延長,中高強度身体活動時間低下,歩数低下の有無に分類した。骨量・筋量をもとに正常群,骨量低下群,筋量低下群,骨量・筋量低下群の4群に分類し,基本情報および身体活動を比較した。【結果】骨量・筋量低下群は正常群と比べて中高強度身体活動時間が有意に減少していた(オッズ比3.29,p<0.05,共変量:年齢(5歳階級),性別,歩行速度低下,うつ傾向)。【結論】骨量・筋量低下を併存している高齢者は,中高強度身体活動時間が減少していることが示唆された。(著者抄録)

Language：Japanese   Publisher：Japanese Society of physical therapy for prevention  

<p><b>Objective:</b> This study aimed to examine the correlation of sarcopenia with orthopedic disorders, history of falls, and polypharmacy among community-dwelling older adults.</p><p><b>Methods:</b> Data from 905 older adults who participated in community-based health check-up were analyzed. Participants were asked to provide their history of orthopedic disorders, number of prescription medicines, and experience of fall during the past year. Sarcopenia was assessed based on the AWGS2019 criteria.</p><p><b>Results:</b> The prevalence rate of sarcopenia was 18.3 % (n = 166). Although participants with osteoporosis showed a higher prevalence rate, there were no associations of sarcopenia with osteoarthritis and spinal disease. In the logistic regression analyses, there was no significant association between orthopedic disorders and sarcopenia, whereas history of falls (odds ratio = 1.65) and polypharmacy (≥6) (odds ratio = 1.56) were significantly associated with sarcopenia.</p><p><b>Conclusions:</b> A higher prevalence rate of sarcopenia was observed in older adults with osteoporosis. However, there was no significant association found between sarcopenia and orthopedic disorders, including osteoporosis in the multivariate analysis, whereas history of falls and polypharmacy were determined as associated factors with sarcopenia among community-dwelling older adults.</p>

DOI： 10.57304/jptp.1.0_19

Language：Japanese   Publisher：Japanese Society of Community-based Comprehensive Physical Therapy  

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between the measured mass of the calcaneus bone and the number of stairs used by community-dwelling older adults. Methods: Data obtained from 169 older adults who participated in a community-based health-check survey (Tarumizu Study 2018) were analyzed. Bone mass was measured using the speed of sound of the calcaneal bone and the obtained values were considered to be low when the percentage of the %YAM of the SOS was ≤ 70%. The frequency of stair usage was classified into two groups: 0 and 1 or more times per day at home, and three sub-groups comprising of: 0–2, 3–7, and 8 or more times per week outside home. Results: The results of logistic regression analysis, in which the dependent variable was the presence or absence of bone loss, and the independent variable was the number of stairs used, showed no significant association with the number of stairs used at home. The number of times the stairs were used outside home was set at 0–2 times as a reference, and bone loss was significantly reduced by 8 times or more (odds ratio 0.32, 95% confidence interval 0.11 –0.97, p = 0.045, covariates: age, gender, ASMI, grip strength, walking speed). Conclusion: It was suggested that the frequent use of stairs outside the home may aid in suppressing bone loss. It could be concluded that the use of stairs in activities including going out may affect bone mass as the frequency of stair usage in the house is not relevant.

DOI： 10.57351/jjccpt.1.0_18

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：WILEY  

Aim To investigate whether the type and frequency of social interaction during the state of emergency due to coronavirus disease were associated with self-rated health (SRH) after the state of emergency. Methods Data from a cross-sectional study were collected for 889 oldest-old adults in Bibai City, Hokkaido, Japan. In total, 612 participants (mean age: 83.0 +/- 4.3 years; women: 51.8%) were included in the analysis, taking biological sex into account. The self-reported questionnaire included questions about demographic variables, SRH (July 2020, after the emergency), and the type and frequency of social interaction (March 2020, during the state of emergency). Results There was no significant association between social interaction and SRH in men (P > 0.05). Women who had social interactions (both face-to-face and non-face-to-face) more than once a week during the state of emergency reported higher SRH after the emergency than those who did not (odds ratio 2.17, 95% confidence interval 1.07-4.41). Conclusions Having both types of interaction more than once a week during the state of emergency was related to higher SRH after the emergency among oldest-old women. It is suggested that having opportunities for both types of interaction at least once a week would potentially be beneficial for high SRH in women, even in situations where the declaration of a state of emergency restricts face-to-face interaction. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2022; center dot center dot: center dot center dot-center dot center dot.

DOI： 10.1111/ggi.14379

Web of Science

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PubMed

Language：Japanese   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Elsevier BV  

DOI： 10.1016/j.archger.2021.104616

Scopus

PubMed

Language：Japanese   Publisher：The Japan Geriatric Therapy Society  

<p>【Aim】 This study aimed to determine the modifiable risk factors related to mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and associations between combinations of those factors and MCI in community-dwelling older adults.【Methods】 This cross-sectional study included a total of 578 community-dwelling older adults (aged ≥ 65 years) who had undergone health checkups and were divided into MCI (n = 289) and non-MCI (n = 289) groups. Non-MCI participants were selected through propensity score matching to balance age and gender. The modifiable factors related with MCI were determined and categorized based on those combinations using a decision tree analysis.【Results】 Weakness (grip strength < 28 kg for men, < 18 kg for women), poor sleep quality, and social inactivity (non-participate in regional events) were determined as and categorized based on combinations of those factors. The lowest prevalence rate of MCI was in the non-weakness and non-poor sleep quality group (37.7%) and the highest was in the weakness and social inactivity group (82.0%).【Conclusions】 The combinational status that maintained muscle strength and better sleep quality could be associated with a lower risk of cognitive deficits. However, older adults with weakness and social inactivity would have a greater risk of MCI. Maintenance of muscle strength, sleep quality, and social activity may be helpful in preventing cognitive decline among community-dwelling older adults. When any of those factors decline, the other factors should be maintained for cognitive health.</p>

DOI： 10.57270/jgts.2022_006

Language：Japanese   Publisher：Hypertension Research  

Blood pressure variability (BPV) is associated with the prognosis of cardiovascular diseases. However, it is unclear how BPV is related to various organs. The aim of this study is to investigate the association between BPV and multiple organ functions. A total of three hundred fifteen participants (114 males; mean age: 70 ± 9 years) participated in a community health checkup held in Tarumizu City. Home blood pressure (BP) was measured using a HEM-9700T (OMRON Healthcare, Kyoto, Japan). Day-to-day BPV was evaluated by the coefficient of variation (CV) of home BP measured in the morning for one month. N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-pro BNP) and high-sensitivity (hs-)troponin T were measured as cardiac biomarkers. Liver stiffness and renal function were evaluated using the Fibrous-4 (Fib4) index and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), respectively. NT-pro BNP and hs-troponin T were divided by the median value. Fib4 index greater than 2.67 and eGFR less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 were defined as high Fib4 index and low eGFR, respectively. In a multivariable logistic regression analysis, the CV of systolic BP was significantly associated with high NT-pro BNP, high Fib 4 index, and low eGFR, but not with high hs-troponin T. In contrast, the CV of diastolic BP was not associated with low eGFR, and the other three biomarkers had the same results as systolic BP. In conclusion, day-to-day BPV of systolic BP is independently associated with NT-pro BNP, eGFR, and Fib4 index, but not with hs-troponin T. In contrast, diastolic BPV was not found to be associated with eGFR.

DOI： 10.1038/s41440-021-00818-8

Scopus

PubMed

Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本予防理学療法学会  

【目的】地域在住高齢者における運動器疾患,転倒歴および多剤併用とサルコペニアとの関連性を調べることを目的とした。【方法】地域コホート研究に参加した高齢者905名を対象とし,運動器疾患の有無,1日の服薬数,過去1年間での転倒歴を聴取した。サルコペニアはAWGS2019の基準で判定した。【結果】全対象者のうちの166名(18.3%)がサルコペニアに該当した。骨粗鬆症を有する者ではサルコペニアの該当者が有意に多かったが,脊椎疾患および変形性関節症とサルコペニアとの関連は認められなかった。ロジスティック回帰分析の結果,運動器疾患とサルコペニアの関連は確認されず,多剤併用(6剤以上)(オッズ比1.56)および転倒歴(オッズ比1.65)がサルコペニアと有意に関連していた。【結論】骨粗鬆症を有する高齢者ではサルコペニアに該当する者の割合が高かったものの,多変量解析においてはサルコペニアと運動器疾患との関連性は認められず,多剤併用および転倒歴がサルコペニアと関連する要因として抽出された。(著者抄録)

Language：English   Publisher：Nature Publishing Group  

鹿児島県の地域健診受診者315名(女性201名、平均70±9歳)を対象に、血圧変動と臓器機能の関連について検討した。1ヵ月間(連日、起床後1時間以内)の家庭血圧値の変動係数(CV)四分位群間で心機能(脳性ナトリウム利尿ペプチド前駆体N端フラグメント(NT-proBNP)と高感度トロポニンT)、肝機能(Fib4 index)、腎機能(推算糸球体濾過量;eGFR)を比較した。多変量ロジスティック回帰分析の結果、収縮期血圧CV高位群ほどeGFR低値(<60mL/min/1.73m2)、Fib4 index高値(>2.67)、NT-proBNP高値(>70pg/mL[中央値])のオッズ比が高かった。高感度トロポニンT高値(>0.007ng/mL[中央値])との関連は全群で認められなかった。拡張期血圧CV高位群はNT-proBNP高値のオッズ比が高く、最高四分位群はFib4 index高値のオッズ比も高かったが、eGFR低値および高感度トロポニンT高値との関連はみられなかった。以上から、家庭血圧の日間変動は心臓、肝臓、腎臓のバイオマーカーと独立して関連していることが示された。

Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本老年療法学会  

地域在住高齢者の軽度認知障害(Mild Cognitive Impairment:MCI)に関連する可変因子を探索し、それらの組み合わせによるMCIとの関連を傾向スコア・マッチング法を用いて検討することを目的に、地域コホート研究の参加者で年齢と性別でマッチングされた65歳以上の高齢者578名(MCI群289名[平均年齢76.4±6.4歳]、非MCI群289名[平均年齢75.9±6.5歳])を対象に、身体機能評価(握力、通常歩行速度)および質問紙による生活状況の調査を行った。決定木分析の結果、握力低下(男性28kg未満、女性18kg未満)、睡眠の質の低下、社会参加(地域の祭りや行事などへの参加)の有無の組み合わせによりグループが形成され、MCIの割合は握力低下なし+睡眠の質の低下なし群(グループI)で最も低く(37.7%)、握力低下あり+地域行事の参加なしの群(グループIV)で最も高かった(82.0%)。

Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本地域理学療法学会  

【目的】本研究は,地域在住高齢者における踵骨の骨量と階段使用頻度との関連性を調べることを目的とした.【方法】地域コホート研究(垂水研究2018)に参加した高齢者169名を横断的に分析した.骨量は%YAMが70%以下を骨量低下とした.階段使用頻度について,自宅内階段は1日0回と1回以上の2群,自宅外階段は週0〜2回・3〜7回・8回以上の3群に分類した.【結果】従属変数を骨量低下の有無,独立変数を階段使用頻度としたロジスティック回帰分析の結果,自宅内の階段使用頻度に有意な関連は認められなかったものの,自宅外の階段使用頻度0〜2回を参照とし,8回以上では有意に骨量低下が減少した(オッズ比0.32,95%信頼区間0.11-0.97,p=0.045,共変量:年齢,性別,ASMI,握力,歩行速度).【結論】自宅外での階段の使用頻度が多いと骨量低下の抑制に有用となり得る可能性が示唆された.自宅内の階段使用頻度は関連しておらず,外出を含めた階段の使用が骨量に影響を与えている可能性がある.(著者抄録)

Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本地域理学療法学会  

【目的】本研究は,地域在住高齢者における踵骨の骨量と階段使用頻度との関連性を調べることを目的とした.【方法】地域コホート研究(垂水研究2018)に参加した高齢者169名を横断的に分析した.骨量は%YAMが70%以下を骨量低下とした.階段使用頻度について,自宅内階段は1日0回と1回以上の2群,自宅外階段は週0〜2回・3〜7回・8回以上の3群に分類した.【結果】従属変数を骨量低下の有無,独立変数を階段使用頻度としたロジスティック回帰分析の結果,自宅内の階段使用頻度に有意な関連は認められなかったものの,自宅外の階段使用頻度0〜2回を参照とし,8回以上では有意に骨量低下が減少した(オッズ比0.32,95%信頼区間0.11-0.97,p=0.045,共変量:年齢,性別,ASMI,握力,歩行速度).【結論】自宅外での階段の使用頻度が多いと骨量低下の抑制に有用となり得る可能性が示唆された.自宅内の階段使用頻度は関連しておらず,外出を含めた階段の使用が骨量に影響を与えている可能性がある.(著者抄録)

Language：Japanese   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

AIM: To clarify prevalence of social frailty among older adults living in a rural Japanese community, and factors associated with social frailty status. METHODS: In total, 322 adults aged ≥65 years living in a Japanese rural community took part in the study from 2018 to 2020. Social frailty was defined as deficiencies of: (i) living alone; (ii) talking with someone every day; (iii) feeling helpful to friends or family; (iv) going out less frequently compared with last year; and (v) visiting friends sometimes. Social frail status was categorized as robust (0), social prefrail (1), and social frail (≥2), according to the summated score of Makizako's criteria. Multiple logistic regression analysis was applied to clarify factors associated with social frailty status. RESULTS: Final samples were classified into 68 persons with social frailty, 98 persons with social prefrailty and 147 persons as robust. We observed the prevalence of social frailty (21.7%) and social prefrailty (31.3%) and the GDS-15 had significantly high scores in the social frail groups. Social frailty was significantly associated with the GDS-15 score (odds ratio, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.19-1.49) and TMT-A (odds ratio, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.01-1.08) and GDS-15 (odds ratio, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.03-1.26) were extracted as independent variables of social prefrail status, with adjustment for demographics, polypharmacy and lifestyle-related diseases. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that social frailty tends to be increasing gradually in a Japanese rural area, and social prefrailty might be potentially associated with attentional function, as well as the GDS-15 score. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2022; 22: 145-151.

DOI： 10.1111/ggi.14330

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PubMed

Language：English   Publisher：John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd  

2018～2020年に秋田県在住の65歳以上高齢者313名を対象とした横断研究(ORANGE研究)を実施し、社会的フレイルの割合および社会的フレイル状態に関連する因子について検討した。社会的フレイルの評価には牧迫の社会的フレイル基準(独居、毎日誰かと話す、友人や家族の役に立っていると感じる、昨年と比べて外出の頻度が減った、時々友人宅を訪問する)を使用した。参加者を健常群147名(0点;平均74.6±5.7歳、女性64.6%)、社会的プレフレイル98名(1点;平均75.7±5.9歳、女性71.4%)、社会的フレイル68名(2～5点;平均74.8±5.9歳、女性70.6%)に分けて検討した。評価項目は人口統計学的特徴、各種認知機能検査(word list memory、TMT-A、TMT-B、Symbol Digit Substitution Task)、GDS-15などとした。人口統計学特徴、ポリファーマシー、生活習慣病を調整後の多変量ロジスティック回帰分析の結果、社会的フレイルではGDS-15スコア、社会的プレフレイルではTMT-AおよびGDS-15が予測因子であることが示された(オッズ比1.33、1.04、1.13)。以上から、社会的プレフレイルは、GDS-15スコアのみならず、注意機能と関連する可能性があることを示唆された。

Language：Japanese   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Background: Recent longitudinal studies have reported proportion of frailty transition in older individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our study aimed at clarifying the impact of social frailty in community-dwelling older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic and at identifying factors that can predict transition to social frailty. Methods: We performed this study from 2019 (before declaration of the state of emergency over the rising number of COVID-19 cases) to 2020 (after declaration of the emergency). We applied Makizako’s social frail index to our study subjects at the baseline and classified into robust, social prefrailty, and social frailty groups. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed using robust, social prefrailty, or social frailty status as dependent variable. Results: Analysis by the Kruskal–Wallis test revealed significant differences in the score on the GDS-15 among the robust, social prefrailty, and social frailty groups (p < 0.05). Furthermore, multiple regression analysis identified a significant association between the social frailty status and the score on GDS-15 (odds ratio, 1.57; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 1.15–2.13; p = 0.001). Conclusion: The increase in the rate of transition of elderly individuals to the social frailty group could have been related to the implementation of the stay-at-home order as part of the countermeasures for COVID-19. Furthermore, the increased prevalence of depressive symptoms associated with the stay-at-home order could also have influenced the increase in the prevalence of social frailty during the COVID-19 pandemic.

DOI： 10.3390/ijerph19020986

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PubMed

Language：Japanese   Publisher：Nutrients  

Nutritional factors, including low protein intake and poor dietary variety, affect age‐associated impairment in physical performance resulting in physical frailty. This cross‐sectional study investigated the association between intake frequency of major high protein foods and both physical performance and higher‐level functional capacity using the food frequency score (FFS) and high protein food frequency score (PFFS) among community‐dwelling older adults. The data of 1185 older adults categorized into quartiles based on FFS and PFFS were analyzed. After adjusting for covariates, FFS and PFFS were significantly associated with physical performance [FFS, usual gait speed (p for trend = 0.007); PFFS, usual gait speed (p for trend < 0.001), maximum gait speed (p for trend = 0.002), timed up and go (p for trend = 0.025)], and higher‐level functional capacity [FFS (p for trend < 0.001); PFFS (p for trend < 0.001)]. After excluding PFFS data, the participants’ scores were associated with only higher‐level functional capacity. Multi‐regression analysis with higherlevel functional capacity as the covariate showed that FFS and PFFS were significantly correlated with physical performance. Hence, improving food intake frequency, particularly that of high protein foods, and dietary variety may help maintain higher‐level functional capacity and physical performance in community‐dwelling older adults.

DOI： 10.3390/nu14010072

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PubMed

Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本疫学会  

Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本疫学会  

Language：Japanese   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

BACKGROUND: Poor sleep quality has a negative effect on pain among older adults. During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) state of emergency, lifestyle changes can cause psychologic stressors and lead to poor sleep quality. AIM: This study examined whether sleep quality status was associated with low back or knee pain changes during the COVID-19 state of emergency among community-dwelling Japanese old-old adults. DESIGN: Cross-sectional investigation. METHODS: In July 2020, during the COVID-19 epidemic, we conducted a postal survey for old-old adults aged ≥77 years and collected data on 597 participants. For those who had low back or knee pain at the time of the survey (in July), characteristics such as low back pain, knee pain, changes in pain status, and sleep quality status during the COVID-19 state of emergency (in March) were assessed. RESULTS: Data from 597 participants showed the prevalence of low back pain (50.6%) and knee pain (40.7%) in July. Of those with low back or knee pain, 374 had pain changes during the state of emergency, with 12.3% worsening. Of these, 23.9% had poor sleep quality in March compared to non-change (p = .008). In a multivariate logistic regression model adjusted for potential confounders, poor sleep quality was significantly associated with pain worsening (odds ratio 2.80, 95% confidence interval 1.26-6.22). CONCLUSIONS: During the COVID-19 state of emergency, poor sleep quality was associated with worsening low back or knee pain. This may indicate the need to pay attention to poor sleep quality to prevent the exacerbation of pain among old-old adults.

DOI： 10.1016/j.pmn.2022.01.001

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PubMed

Language：Japanese   Publisher：Japanese Society of Physical Therapy  

<p><b>Objective</b>: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between low bone mass, low muscle mass, and physical activity in community-dwelling older adults.</p><p><b>Methods</b>: Data obtained from 173 older adults who participated in a community-based health-check survey (Tarumizu Study 2018) were analyzed. Bone mass was measured using the speed of sound (SOS) of the calcaneal bone and was considered low when the percentage of the %YAM of the SOS was ≤70%. Muscle mass was assessed based on the criteria for sarcopenia by the AWGS. Physical activity was measured using an accelerometer to determine whether there was an increase in sedentary activity time, a decrease in MVPA time, and a decrease in step count Classified. The groups were classified into healthy (normal bone and muscle masses), low bone mass (only bone mass decreased), low muscle mass (only muscle mass decreased), and low bone/muscle mass groups (both bone and muscle masses decreased).</p><p><b>Results</b>: As a result of logistic regression analysis, MVPA time was significantly decreased in the bone loss and muscle loss groups compared with the normal group (odds ratio, 3.29; p<0.05; covariates: age [5 years], sex, depression tendency, and decreased walking speed).</p><p><b>Conclusion</b>: This study indicated that MVPA levels were lower in the older adults who had lower bone and muscle masses.</p>

DOI： 10.15063/rigaku.12150

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Japan Atherosclerosis Society  

<p><b>Aim: </b>This study aims to investigate the association of the Cardio-Ankle Vascular Index (CAVI) with self-reported sleep duration and sleep quality in community-dwelling older adults aged ≥ 65 years.<b> </b></p><p><b>Methods: </b>The Tarumizu Study was a cohort of community-based health checkups conducted in the Tarumizu City, Japan, in 2018 and 2019. In total, 997 participants aged ≥ 65 years (median age, 74 years) were examined. We obtained the average sleep duration and sleep quality using self-reported questionnaires and classified them into three separate groups according to sleep duration (＜6 h, 6–8 h, and ≥ 8 h) and sleep quality (good, medium, and poor). The arterial stiffness was measured using the CAVI.<b> </b></p><p><b>Results: </b>As per our findings, the CAVI was significantly higher in the ≥ 8 h sleep group (CAVI=9.6±1.3) than in the ＜6 h (CAVI=9.1±1.1) or 6–8 h (CAVI=9.1±1.2) groups (<i>p</i>＜0.001). After adjustment for age, sex, systolic blood pressure, current smoking status, body mass index, frequency of exercise, educational background, frailty, sleep medication, sleep quality, and nap duration, multivariable regression analysis demonstrated that the CAVI was significantly higher in the ≥ 8 h group than in the 6–8 h group (<i>p</i>=0.016). In contrast, multivariable regression analysis showed that there was no significant association between sleep quality and CAVI.<b> </b></p><p><b>Conclusions: </b>A significant association was noted between long sleep duration (≥ 8 h) and elevated CAVI in community-dwelling older adults aged ≥ 65 years. We, therefore, suggest that long sleep duration, not sleep quality, is correlated with arterial stiffness in older adults.</p>

DOI： 10.5551/jat.63594

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PubMed

Language：Japanese   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

BACKGROUND: Falls and fear of falling (FoF) inhibit healthy longevity and have been suggested to be associated with cognitive function. However, the domains of cognitive function that are associated with them remain controversial. It is speculated that clarifying this will help in the assessment of health status and interventions in the community. AIM: To analyse the associations between fall history and FoF and multidimensional cognitive function in independent community-dwelling older adults. METHODS: The data from 9759 (73.3 ± 5.4 years, 59.9% women) older individuals enrolled in the cross-sectional ORANGE study were analysed. Simple questions were used to assess fall history in the past year and current FoF. Assessments of multidimensional cognitive function were performed using the National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology-Functional Assessment Tool (NCGG-FAT) to evaluate memory, attention, executive function, and processing speed. The independent associations of fall history and FoF with multidimensional cognitive function were assessed using multivariate linear regressions adjusted for potential confounding variables. RESULTS: A total of 18.3% and 35.4% of participants presented with fall history and FoF, respectively. Fall history (p = 0.008) and FoF (p = 0.002) were significantly associated with memory. FoF, but not fall history was associated with attention (p = 0.004), executive function (p < 0.01), and processing speed (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: In independent community-dwelling older adults, fall history was associated only with the memory domain; in contrast, fear of falling was associated with multidimensional cognitive function. This study provides weak evidence suggesting the need to assess falls and FoF in all situations involving independent community-dwelling older adults.

DOI： 10.1007/s40520-022-02235-4

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PubMed

Language：Japanese   Publisher：Nutrients  

Few studies have investigated the relationship between nutritional status and comprehensive assessment of oral hypofunction, especially protein intake-related sarcopenia. Thus, we explored these relationships in a large-scale cross-sectional cohort study using the seven-item evaluation for oral hypofunction and Diet History Questionnaire for nutritional assessment. We used the data from 1004 individuals who participated in the 2019 health survey of the residents of Tarumizu City, Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan for analysis. We found that individuals with oral hypofunction were significantly older with a lower skeletal muscle index. Although there were few foods that had a sig-nificant difference between the groups with and without oral hypofunction, the consumption of beans and meats was significantly lower in women and men in the oral hypofunction group, respectively. According to the lower limit of the tentative dietary goal defined in Japan, comprehensive evaluation of oral hypofunction was significantly and independently associated with protein intake in both men and women (odds ratio, 1.70; 95% confidence interval, 1.21–2.35). In conclusion, we found that oral hypofunction was associated with targeted protein intake for sarcopenia and frailty prevention in middle-aged and older community-dwelling adults. Comprehensive evaluation of oral function with intervention in cases of hypofunction could inform clinicians to better prevent sarcopenia.

DOI： 10.3390/nu13124377

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PubMed

Language：Japanese   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to analyse the differences in meaningful activities and psychosomatic function depending on the driving status of community-dwelling older adults. Data from 594 older adults were obtained, including activities meaningful to individuals and psychosomatic functions, such as grip strength, depression, cognitive function, and ability of activity. Participants were divided into active driving (n = 549) and after driving cessation (n = 45) groups. In addition, the active driving group was operationally divided into three groups: high-frequency group (n = 387), medium group (n = 119), and infrequent group (n = 42). In the after driving cessation group, grip strength, and Japan Science and Technology Agency Index of Competence scores were significantly lower. Furthermore, the proportion of apathy and physical and social frailty was significantly higher in the after driving cessation group. Regarding meaningful activity, domestic life scores in the after driving cessation group were significantly higher than those of the active driving group. Decreased driving frequency in the active driving group was associated with weak muscle strength, lack of interest, and low activity. This study demonstrated that meaningful activity differed based on the driving status. Hence, we should support the activities of older adults who are considering driving cessation.

DOI： 10.3390/ijerph182413270

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PubMed

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to examine the association between cognitive frailty (CF) and higher-level competence among community-dwelling older adults. METHODS: Data from 871 older adults (aged ≥ 65 years, mean age 74.3 years, 61.5% women) who had participated in a community-based health check survey (Tarumizu Study 2018-2019) were analyzed. CF was defined as comorbid physical frailty and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). We defined physical frailty as either slow walking speed or poor grip strength. MCI was defined as values below the age- and education-adjusted reference threshold in several tests. Participants were categorized into four groups: robust, physical frailty, MCI, and CF. Higher-level competence was assessed using the Japan Science and Technology Agency Index of Competence (JST-IC). The JST-IC consists of 16 items and four subscales (technology usage, information practice, life management and social engagement). The bottom 20-30% score of the JST-IC and each subscale corresponded to poor higher-level competence. RESULTS: The prevalence of CF was 14.4%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that, CF was significantly associated with poor higher-level competence (odds ratio 1.92, 95% confidence interval 1.18-3.13) after adjusting for covariates. Using a similar analysis to assess the JST-IC subscales, CF was associated with limitations on technology usage (odds ratio 2.29, 95% confidence interval 1.36-3.85) and low social engagement (odds ratio 1.62, 95% confidence interval 1.00-2.61). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that CF is associated with poor higher-level competence, especially limitations on technology usage and low social engagement.

DOI： 10.1016/j.archger.2021.104589

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PubMed

Language：Japanese   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

This study aimed to clarify the relationship between leg extension angle and knee flexion angle during gait in older adults. The subjects of this cross-sectional study were 588 community-dwelling older adults (74.6 ± 6.1 y). Segment angles and acceleration were measured using five inertial measurement units during comfortable gait, and bilateral knee and hip joint angles, and leg extension angle, reflecting whole lower limb extension at late stance, were calculated. Propulsion force was estimated using the increase in velocity calculated from anterior acceleration of the sacrum during late stance. Correlation analysis showed that leg extension angle was associated with knee flexion angle at swing phase and hip extension angle and increase in velocity at late stance (r = 0.444-508, p < 0.001). Multiple regression analysis showed that knee flexion angle at mid-swing was more affected by leg extension angle (β = 0.296, p < 0.001) than by gait speed (β = 0.219, p < 0.001) and maximum hip extension angle (β = -0.150, p < 0.001). These findings indicate that leg extension angle may be a meaningful parameter for improving gait function in older adults due to the association with knee kinematics during swing as well as propulsion force at late stance.

DOI： 10.3390/ijerph182211925

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PubMed

Language：Japanese   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to examine the correlations between gait regularity, cognitive functions including cognitive domains, and the mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in community-dwelling older people. This study included 463 older adults (63.4% women, mean age: 74.1), and their step and stride regularity along the three-axis components was estimated from trunk acceleration, which was measured by inertial measurement units during a comfortable gait. Four aspects of cognitive function were assessed using a tablet computer: attention, executive function, processing speed, and memory, and participants were classified into those with or without MCI. The vertical component of stride and step regularity was associated with attention and executive function (r = -0.176--0.109, p ≤ 0.019), and processing speed (r = 0.152, p < 0.001), after it was adjusted for age and gait speed. The low vertical component of step regularity was related to the MCI after it was adjusted for covariates (OR 0.019; p = 0.016). The results revealed that cognitive function could affect gait regularity, and the vertical component of gait regularity, as measured by a wearable sensor, could play an important role in investigating cognitive decline in older people.

DOI： 10.3390/healthcare9111571

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PubMed

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)  

ABSTRACT: Understanding the relationship between pain and physical activity (PA) levels is beneficial for maintaining good health status. However, the impact of pain on changes in PA during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is unknown. The purpose of this study was to examine whether PA levels pre-, during, and post-COVID-19 state of emergency differ between Japanese adults who had pain after the COVID-19 state of emergency and those who did not.Data were collected from a cross-sectional online survey conducted between October 19 and 28, 2020. The analytic sample consisted of 1967 Japanese adults aged ≥40 years who completed the online survey. Participants completed questionnaires on the presence of pain and duration of PA, defined as the total PA time per week based on activity frequency and time. Participants were asked to report their PA at 3 time points: October 2019 (before the COVID-19 pandemic), April 2020 (during the COVID-19 state of emergency), and October 2020 (after the COVID-19 state of emergency).Among participants aged ≥60 years who reported pain in October 2020, the total PA time was significantly lower than participants who did not report having pain. Furthermore, the total PA time in April 2020 was significantly lower than that in October 2019; however, no significant difference in total PA time was observed between April and October 2020. Among participants aged 40 to 59 years, no significant differences were observed in total PA times at the 3 time points between those with and without pain. In addition, the total PA time in October 2020 significantly increased compared to that in April 2020, although it significantly decreased in April 2020 compared to October 2019.This study suggests that older adults with pain have lower PA levels after the COVID-19 state of emergency.

DOI： 10.1097/MD.0000000000027533

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PubMed

Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本老年医学会  

Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本老年医学会  

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Background Frailty is conceptualized as an accumulation of deficits in multiple areas and is strongly associated with the prognosis of heart failure (HF). However, the social domain of frailty is less well investigated. We prospectively evaluated the clinical characteristics and prognostic impact of social frailty (SF) in elderly patients with HF. Methods and Results FRAGILE-HF (prevalence and prognostic value of physical and social frailty in geriatric patients hospitalized for heart failure) is a multicenter, prospective cohort study focusing on patients hospitalized for HF and aged ≥65 years. We defined SF by Makizako's 5 items, which have been validated as associated with future disability. The primary end point was a composite of all-cause death and rehospitalization because of HF. The impact of SF on all-cause mortality alone was also evaluated. Among 1240 enrolled patients, 825 (66.5%) had SF. During the 1-year observation period after discharge, the rates of the combined end point and all-cause mortality were significantly higher in patients with SF than in those without SF (Log-rank test: both P < 0.05). SF remained as significantly associated with both the combined end point (hazard ratio, 1.30; 95% CI, 1.02-1.66; P = 0.038) and all-cause mortality (hazard ratio, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.01-2.30; P = 0.044), even after adjusting for key clinical risk factors. Furthermore, SF showed significant incremental prognostic value over known risk factors for both the combined end point (net-reclassification improvement: 0.189, 95% CI, 0.063-0.316, P = 0.003) and all-cause mortality (net-reclassification improvement: 0.234, 95% CI, 0.073-0.395, P = 0.004). Conclusions Among hospitalized geriatric patients with HF, two thirds have SF. Evaluating SF provides additive prognostic information in elderly patients with HF. Registration URL: https://upload.umin.ac.jp/. Unique identifier: UMIN000023929.

DOI： 10.1161/JAHA.120.019954

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Publisher：株式会社医学書院  

DOI： 10.11477/mf.1551202367

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to examine the prospective associations of physical frailty with future falls and fear of falling (FOF) among community-dwelling older adults. METHODS: A prospective cohort study with a 48-month follow-up was conducted in a Japanese community. Participants were 2469 community-dwelling older adults aged 65 years or older who completed baseline and follow-up assessments at intervals of 48 ± 2 months. Primary outcomes were recent falls (defined as at least one fall within the past year) and FOF (determined by response to "Are you afraid of falling?") at follow-up survey. Physical frailty, operationalized by the frailty phenotype (slowness, weakness, exhaustion, weight loss, and low activity) based on the criteria of the Japanese version of the Cardiovascular Health Study (J-CHS), was also assessed as a predictor of future falls and FOF. RESULTS: Multivariable logistic regression showed that prefrailty or frailty increase the risk of not only future falls (odds ratio [OR]: 1.57; 95% CI = 1.20-2.05) but also FOF (OR: 1.33; 95%CI = 1.05-1.69). In addition, the relationship between baseline frailty status and future falls remained significant after adjusting for baseline FOF (OR: 1.55; 95% CI = 1.19-2.02), and the relationship between baseline frailty status and future FOF also remained significant after adjusting for baseline falls (OR: 1.32; 95% CI = 1.04-1.68). CONCLUSIONS: Frailty status may predict future falls and FOF among community-dwelling older adults. Strategies to prevent frailty may be beneficial to prevent not only future falls but also future FOF in a community setting. IMPACT: Falls and FOF have a close relationship but a different clinical meaning. Older adults with physical frailty may require monitoring as high risk not only for falls but also for FOF.

DOI： 10.1093/ptj/pzab059

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：日本老年社会科学会  

Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本サルコペニア・フレイル学会  

[目的]地域在住高齢女性における骨粗鬆症と身体・認知・社会的フレイルとの関係を明らかにする。[方法]地域での健康チェックに参加した高齢女性265名を分析対象とした。骨粗鬆症の有無、身体・認知・社会的フレイルを評価し、身体・社会的フレイルに関しては、プレフレイルとフレイルを合わせてプレフレイル以上とした。骨粗鬆症を従属変数とし、身体的プレフレイル以上、認知的フレイル、社会的プレフレイル以上を独立変数としたロジスティック回帰分析を行い、さらに前期・後期高齢女性に分けてオッズ比を算出した。[結果]年齢、内服数、教育歴、BMI、関節リウマチの有無、呼吸器疾患の有無で傾向スコアを算出し、傾向スコアで調整したロジスティック回帰分析の結果、後期高齢女性において骨粗鬆症と社会的プレフレイル以上が関連していた(オッズ比3.14、95%CI1.25-7.93、p=0.02)。[結論]地域在住後期高齢女性において、社会的フレイルは骨粗鬆症のリスクを高める可能性がある。(著者抄録)

Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本サルコペニア・フレイル学会  

[目的]地域在住高齢者における社会参加とサルコペニアとの関連を明らかにすることを目的とした。[方法]地域コホート研究(垂水研究2018)に参加した65歳以上の地域在住高齢者859名のうち、脳卒中等の既往歴のない751名を分析対象とした。Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia2019に基づいてサルコペニアの有無、またJST版活動能力指標の社会参加に関する4項目より社会参加の状況を評価した。[結果]サルコペニアを有する者では、社会参加得点が有意に低値であった(p<0.001)。従属変数をサルコペニアの有無、独立変数を社会参加得点としたロジスティック回帰分析の結果、社会参加とサルコペニアに有意な関連を認めた(オッズ比0.83、95%信頼区間0.71-0.97)(共変量:年齢、性別、教育歴、服薬数、転倒歴、運動習慣、うつ傾向、認知機能)。[結論]地域在住高齢者の社会参加状況はサルコペニアと関連することが示唆された。(著者抄録)

Language：Japanese   Publisher：日本作業療法研究学会  

Language：Japanese   Publisher：日本作業療法研究学会  

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Oral hypofunction is a new concept that addresses the oral function of older adults. Few studies have investigated the relationship between oral hypofunction and general health conditions such as frailty, sarcopenia, and mild cognitive impairment. This paper explores these relationships in a large-scale, cross-sectional cohort study. The relationships of oral hypofunction with frailty, sarcopenia, and mild cognitive impairment were examined using data from 832 individuals who participated in the 2018 health survey of the residents of Tarumizu City, Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan. Individuals with frailty, sarcopenia, and mild cognitive impairment had significantly higher rates of oral hypofunction. Frailty was independently associated with deterioration of the swallowing function (odds ratio 2.56; 95% confidence interval, 1.26-5.20), and mild cognitive impairment was independently associated with reduced occlusal force (odds ratio 1.48; 95% confidence interval, 1.05-2.08) and decreased tongue pressure (odds ratio 1.77; 95% confidence interval, 1.28-2.43). There was no independent association found between sarcopenia and oral function. In conclusion, early intervention for related factors such as deterioration of the swallowing function in frailty, reduced occlusal force, and decreased tongue pressure in mild cognitive impairment could lead to the prevention of general hypofunction in older adults.

DOI： 10.3390/jcm10081626

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Publisher：金原出版  

DOI： 10.18888/se.0000001687

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Introduction: A prevalence of frailty is gradually increasing with the progress of aging in Japan, and critical challenges regarding early diagnosis and prevention of frailty were necessary in community. Although previous studies have well documented the characteristics of physical disability, there is limited information on frail state differences among older adults in Japanese rural areas. The aim of our cross-sectional observational study was to clarify the association of frail status in northern Japanese community-dwellers aged 65 or more. Methods: 345 participants were recruited from 2018 to 2020, and after getting informed consent from each participant, assessments and outcomes were evaluated according to the ORANGE protocol. We applied the frailty index of Gerontology-the Study of Geriatric Syndromes (NCGG-SGS) to classify frailty status by collecting data of demographics and psychosocial status using the Kihon checklist (KCL) and cognitive domains used by the National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology-Functional Assessment Tool (NCGG-FAT). Results: Our subjects included 313 older adults divided into 138 robust, 163 prefrail, and 12 frail. For statistical analysis, we found that the frail group had a lower educational duration, worsened KCL items, lower cognitive functions, and a tendency toward depression compared to the other groups. Moreover, physical frailty and cognitive decline were related, and polypharmacy and a lack of joy in daily life were explanatory variables of frail status. Conclusions: We suggest that KCL is important for frail discrimination, and in order to prevent physical frailty, our community should take care of not only exercise and nutrition but also cognitive functioning and depressive tendencies. In particular, polypharmacy and the presence of fun in your life are possible to be related to frailty.

DOI： 10.1159/000511986

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PubMed

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Blood pressure (BP) is influenced by various factors, and it is known that temperature and BP have a negative relationship. However, few reports have examined the relationship between BP and temperature throughout the day in the same participant over time. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between BP and temperature in the morning and evening in the same participants during a time period of ~1 year. In total, 401 participants, who participated in a community-based health checkup survey in Tarumizu, Japan, were enrolled. Five participants were excluded due to missing data. All participants measured their BP and the room temperature at home using a blood pressure monitor (HEM-9700T, OMRON Healthcare, Kyoto, Japan). The mean systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) in the morning were significantly higher than the mean of the measurements taken in the evening (SBP: morning vs. evening 128 ± 15 mmHg vs. 122 ± 14 mmHg, P < 0.0001; DBP: morning vs. evening 77 ± 10 mmHg vs. 72 ± 8 mmHg, P < 0.0001). Using a linear mixed model with participants as a random effect, SBP and DBP were significantly associated with temperature in both the morning and evening. In the morning, in almost every month except July, a significant association between SBP and temperature was observed. However, there was a significant relationship between evening BP and temperature in all months. In conclusion, BP was significantly related to temperature in both the morning and evening during the year-long study. Furthermore, BP and temperature were significantly associated in all months except morning measurements in July.

DOI： 10.1038/s41440-020-00564-3

Scopus

PubMed

Language：English   Publisher：Nature Publishing Group  

朝夕に自宅で測定した血圧と、同時に記録した室温との関係性を調査した。地域健康診断を受診した参加者395名(男性136名、女性259名、平均71±8歳)を被験者とし、血圧モニターを使用して自宅で血圧と室温を測定した。平均収縮期血圧(SBP)と拡張期血圧(DBP)は、それぞれ139±18mmHgと80±11mmHgで、191名が降圧薬を使用していた。朝のSBPとDBPは、夕方の平均測定値の平均よりも有意に高かった。変量効果としての家庭血圧と室温との関連を検討した線形混合モデルでは、SBPとDBPは朝夕両方の気温と有意に関連していた。7月以外の月の朝においてSBPと気温の間に有意な関連が観察されたが、夕方の血圧と気温の間には全ての月で有意な関連がみられた。血圧は、1年間の研究期間中、朝夕の両方で気温と有意に関連していた。また気温は7月の朝の血圧測定値を除き、全ての月で血圧に有意に影響していた。

Language：English   Publisher：John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd  

2020年7月に北海道美唄市在住の地域在住後期高齢者1112名を対象として、COVID-19緊急事態宣言下での体力・認知機能低下の認識に関する質問紙調査を郵送法により実施した。調査項目は、年齢、性別、居住形態、病歴、ポリファーマシー、高齢者うつ尺度、体力低下や認知機能低下の認識の有無、緊急事態宣言前の運動教室への参加状況、緊急事態宣言下での運動習慣(週に2回以上、30分以上)や日常生活リズムの乱れの有無などとした。774名(女性433名、平均83.3±4.4歳)を解析対象とした。その結果、COVID-19緊急事態下で体力低下を認識していたのは339名(43.8%)、認知機能低下を認識していたのは259名(33.5%)であった。潜在的交絡因子を調整した多変量ロジスティック回帰モデルの結果、COVID-19緊急事態宣言下での運動習慣は体力低下の認識の低さと有意に関連していた。また、COVID-19緊急事態宣言下での日常生活リズムの乱れは、体力低下および認知機能低下の認識が高いことと有意に関連していた。

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：WILEY  

Aim: Olfactory impairment as a prodromal symptom, as well as sarcopenia, frailty and dependence as geriatric syndromes, is often associated with cognitive decline in older adults with progression of Alzheimer's disease. The present study aimed to evaluate the associations of olfactory and cognitive decline with these geriatric syndromes, and with structural changes of the brain in older adults.Methods: The participants were 135 older adults (47 men and 88 women, mean age 79.5 years), consisting of 64 with normal cognition, 23 with mild cognitive impairment and 48 with Alzheimer's disease. Olfactory function was evaluated by the Open Essence odor identification test. Shrinkage of the regional brain was determined by magnetic resonance imaging.Results: Logistic regression analysis with Open Essence, Mini-Mental State Examination, age and sex as covariates showed higher olfactory-cognitive index (|coefficient for Open Essence (a) / coefficient for Mini-Mental State Examination (b)|) in participants with sarcopenia (Asia Working Group for Sarcopenia), and lower values of (|a/b|) in participants with Barthel Index dependence, Kihon Checklist frailty, Lawton Index dependence and support/care-need certification as objective variables. Logistic regression analysis adjusted by age and sex also showed significant shrinkage of the frontal lobe in participants with AWGS sarcopenia, especially in women, and shrinkage of the medial temporal areas and global brain in participants with Kihon Checklist frailty/dependence.Conclusions: Olfactory-cognitive index (|a/b|) might be a useful tool to distinguish involvement of frontal lobe shrinkage, as in sarcopenia from shrinkage of the medial temporal areas, and global brain, as in frailty/dependence, in older adults with progression of normal cognition to Alzheimer's disease.

DOI： 10.1111/ggi.14128

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

Language：English   Publisher：John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd  

高齢者135名(男性47名、女性88名、平均79.5歳)を対象として、嗅覚や認知機能低下、老年症候群、脳の構造変化との関連を評価した。認知機能正常64名、MCI 23名、アルツハイマー病48名であった。評価項目は年齢、性別、Open Essenceによる嗅覚機能、ミニメンタルステート検査、AWGSによるサルコペニア、補正四肢筋量、握力、歩行速度、Barthel ADL、基本チェックリストによるフレイル、LawtonのIADLスケール、要介護・要支援認定、脳MRI所見などとした。嗅覚認知指数(|a/b|)をロジスティック回帰式(老年症候群の発生=a[OE]+b[MMSE]+c[年齢]+d[性別]+e)より算出した。ロジスティック回帰分析の結果、サルコペニア患者では嗅覚認知指数が高く、フレイル、Barthel ADLおよびIADLにおける非自立者、要介護・要支援認定者では嗅覚認知指数が低かった。また、サルコペニア患者のうち特に女性では前頭葉の有意な萎縮が認められ、フレイル/非自立者では側頭葉内側部および全脳の萎縮がみられた。

Language：Japanese   Publisher：(公財)大和証券ヘルス財団  

サルコペニアを有する高齢者を対象として、運動群と対照群にランダムに割り付け、サルコペニアに対する運動療法の効果を検証した。対象者を運動群(36名)と対照群(36名)にランダムに割り付け、3ヵ月間の介入前後での身体機能と大腿筋量(MRI画像)の変化を比較した。運動介入は、ゴムバンドによる筋力トレーニングを中心とした多面的運動プログラムを週1回(60分)の頻度で12回実施した。欠損値補正を行ったITT(intention-to-treat)解析で3ヵ月間の変化を比較した。その結果、5回立ち座りテストとTimed UP and Goで群と時間(介入前後)の有意な交互作用を認め、運動群での改善を認めた。大腿の筋面積・筋体積の変化では、運動群で減少を抑制する傾向であったが、有意な交互作用は認められなかった。また、サブグループ解析として、同運動教室に参加していた高齢者15名(平均年齢78.1±6.4歳、女性80%)を対象に、新型コロナウイルス感染症の感染拡大予防対策に伴う外出自粛時期前後での身体活動量の変化を調べた。緊急事態宣言前に比べて緊急事態宣言中では2割の者で町外への外出(生活空間レベル5)をしておらず、身体活動量と生活空間(LSA)スコアが低下傾向であったが、有意な変化ではなかった。身体活動量も有意な変化はなかった。運動教室に参加していた高齢者においては、緊急事態宣言中における生活範囲の顕著な変化および身体活動量の低下は認められなかった。

Language：Japanese   Publisher：(公社)日本理学療法士協会  

Language：Japanese   Publisher：(公社)日本理学療法士協会  

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Language：English   Publisher：(公社)日本栄養・食糧学会  

高齢者815名(女性515名、平均74.9歳)を対象に、栄養素摂取状況とプレフレイル(疲労感、動作緩慢、虚弱、活動量低下、または体重減少のいずれか一つ以上の存在)との関係について検討した。男性の52%および女性の54%がプレフレイルに該当した。男性では栄養素摂取状況とプレフレイルの間に有意な関連はみられなかった。女性の場合、健常群と比較して、プレフレイル群はビタミンKとB群(B1、B2、葉酸、パントテン酸)、リン、カリウム、カルシウム、マグネシウム、鉄、亜鉛、銅の摂取量が有意に少なかった。このうちプレフレイルに関連する有意な変数として抽出されたのはマグネシウムのみであった。マグネシウム摂取量の四分位別にみた女性のプレフレイルの調整オッズ比(95%信頼区間)は、第1分位を基準として、第2分位が0.52(0.29〜0.92,p=0.024)、第3分位が0.51(0.28〜0.95,p=0.033)、第4分位が0.38(0.19〜0.74,p=0.005)であった。以上から、高齢日本人女性において、マグネシウムはプレフレイル予防に重要な栄養素であると考えられた。

Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本骨粗鬆症学会  

Publisher：医歯薬出版(株)  

DOI： 10.32118/j02606.2021118680

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Objective Older adults in Japan are tackling health-related challenges brought by comprehensive geriatric symptoms, such as physical and cognitive problems and social-psychological issues. In this nationwide study, we mainly focused on the Kihon checklist (KCL) as certificated necessity of long-term care for Japanese older adults and investigated whether the KCL score was associated with geriatric depression. In addition, we aimed to identify critical factors that influence the relationship between the KCL score and geriatric depression. Methods This survey was a cross-sectional observational study design, performed from 2013 to 2019. A total of 8, 760 participants aged 65 years and over were recruited from five cohorts in Japan, consisting of 6, 755 persons in Chubu, 1, 328 in Kanto, 481 in Kyushu, 49 in Shikoku and 147 in Tohoku. After obtaining informed consent from each participant, assessments were conducted, and outcomes were evaluated according to the ORANGE protocol. We collected data on demographics, KCL, physical, cognitive and mental evaluations. To clarify the relationship between the KCL and geriatric depression or critical factors, a random intercept model of multi-level models was estimated using individual and provincial variables depending on five cohorts. Results The KCL score was correlated with depression status. Moreover, the results of a random intercept model showed that the KCL score and geriatric depression were associated, and its association was affected by provincial factors of slow walking speed, polypharmacy and sex difference. Conclusions These results suggest that provincial factors of low walking performance, polypharmacy and sex difference (female) might be clinically targeted to improve the KCL score in older adults.

DOI： 10.1371/journal.pone.0252723

Scopus

PubMed

Language：Japanese   Publisher：The Society of Physical Therapy Science  

<p>[Purpose] This study examined the changes in physical activity (PA) levels before and during the COVID-19 outbreak of older Japanese community-dwelling adults participating in exercise programs. [Participants and Methods] This observational study recruited 15 older adults. Participants were required to continuously wear an accelerometer on an elastic band on their hips for a week. Average daily duration of light, moderate, and total PA (min/day), as well as daily steps were calculated. Life-space assessment (LSA) scores were also assessed using a questionnaire. [Results] Although all participants reached 5 levels (from home to out of town) before the COVID-19 state of emergency declaration, 20% of them did not reach 5 levels during the state of emergency. Thus, there were no significant changes in any of the physical activity parameters and LSA before and during the declaration of emergency. [Conclusion] This study concludes that there was no significant decrease in physical activity levels among older community-dwelling adults participating in exercise programs before the COVID-19 outbreak in April 2020.</p>

DOI： 10.1589/rika.36.35

CiNii Books

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Center for Academic Publications Japan  

We examined the association between nutrient intake and prefrailty. Data from 815 older people (63% women) who participated in a community-based health check survey (Tarumizu Study) were analyzed. Prefrailty were defined using five parameters (exhaustion, slowness, weakness, low physical activity, and weight loss). Participants with one or more components were considered to belong to the prefrailty group. Nutrition intake was estimated from a validated brief-type self-administered diet history questionnaire. Among the participants, 154 men (52%) and 278 women (54%) were found to be in a status of prefrailty. In men, there were no significant associations between nutrient intake and prefrailty. In women, carbohydrate intake was slightly higher in prefrailty group. Vitamins K, B1, B2, folic acid, pantothenic acid, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, and copper intake was significantly lower in the prefrailty group. Among the nutrients, magnesium was identified as a significant covariate of prefrailty using a stepwise regression method. In women adjusted ORs (95%CI, p value) for prefrailty in the first, second, third, and fourth quartiles of magnesium intake were 1.00 (reference), 0.52 (0.29-0.92, 0.024), 0.51 (0.28-0.95, 0.033), and 0.38 (0.19-0.74, 0.005), respectively, by multivariate logistic regression analysis (variates: age, body mass index, energy intake, supplement use, osteoporosis, magnesium, and protein intake). Protein intake did not related to prefrailty. Protein intake might be sufficient to prevent prefrailty in the present study. We propose magnesium to be an important micronutrient that prevents prefrailty in community-dwelling older Japanese women.

DOI： 10.3177/jnsv.67.39

Scopus

PubMed

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Wiley  

OBJECTIVES: This cross-sectional study aimed to clarify the relationship between apathy, meaningful activities, and satisfaction with such activities of older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). METHODS: We analyzed 235 older adults with MCI (≥65 years, mean age: 76.9 ± 6.4 years, women: 63.4%) who participated in a community-based health check survey (Tarumizu Study 2018). MCI was defined as at least 1.5 SD below the reference threshold (age- and education-adjusted score) on one or more of the computerized cognitive test including memory, attention, executive functions, and processing speed. Apathy symptoms were assessed using three of the 15 items of Geriatric Depression Scale. Participants selected meaningful activities from the 95 activities of the Aid for Decision-Making in Occupation Choice and evaluated their satisfaction and performance. RESULTS: Apathy in MCI was prevalent by 23.8%. The categories of meaningful activities revealed no difference, with, or without apathy. Logistic regression analysis showed that activity satisfaction was significantly associated with apathy after adjusting for age, sex, education, instrumental activities of daily living, depressive symptoms, and MCI subtype (OR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.44-0.88, p = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: Satisfaction with the activities that are deemed meaningful is associated with apathy among community-dwelling older adults with MCI.

DOI： 10.1002/gps.5544

Scopus

PubMed

Other Link： https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full-xml/10.1002/gps.5544

Language：Japanese   Publisher：Japanese Society of Physical Therapy  

DOI： 10.15063/rigaku.48-2kikaku_Makizako_Hyuma

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

OBJECTIVES: Diabetes and prediabetes contribute to an increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Currently, it remains unclear whether elevated blood HbA1c levels, including prediabetes levels, affect reversion from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to normal cognition. This study, therefore, aimed to examine the prospective associations of diabetes and prediabetes with reversion from MCI to normal cognition among community-dwelling older adults. DESIGN: Longitudinal cohort study with a 4-year follow-up. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Community-dwelling older adults with MCI, aged ≥65 years at baseline (n = 787). METHODS: Participants' medical history of diabetes and blood HbA1c levels at baseline were assessed, and they were classified as control, prediabetes, and diabetes. Objective cognitive screening was performed using a multicomponent neurocognitive test at baseline and follow-up. Reversion from MCI to normal cognition over 4 years was determined. In the longitudinal analysis, we performed multiple imputations to adjust for a selection bias and loss of information. RESULTS: The reversion rates of MCI in the control, prediabetes, and diabetes groups were 63.4%, 55.6%, and 42.9%, respectively, in the completed follow-up dataset, and 54.6%, 47.2%, and 34.1%, respectively, in the imputed dataset. Multivariate logistic regression showed that diabetes decreases the probability of MCI reversion both before and after multiple imputations [odds ratio (OR) 0.37; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.18-0.74 for before imputation, OR 0.37; 95% CI 0.19-0.72 for after imputation]. Furthermore, prediabetes also showed significantly decreased probabilities of MCI reversion both before and after multiple imputations (OR 0.57; 95% CI 0.34-0.94 for before imputation, OR 0.60; 95% CI 0.37-0.97 for after imputation). CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Diabetes and prediabetes could inhibit MCI reversion. Adequate glycemic control may be effective in enhancing the reversion from MCI to normal cognition in a community setting.

DOI： 10.1016/j.jamda.2021.02.033

Scopus

PubMed

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to examine the association between diet variety and physical frailty in community-dwelling older adults. Data of 577 older adults (mean age: 74.0 ± 6.3 years, women: 62.5%) were analyzed. Diet variety was assessed using the Food Frequency Score (FFS) (maximum, 30 points). The FFS assessed the one-week consumption frequency of ten foods (meat, fish/shellfish, eggs, milk & dairy products, soybean products, green & yellow vegetables, potatoes, fruits, seafood, and fats & oil). Physical frailty was assessed using Fried's component (slowness, weakness, exhaustion, low physical activity, and weight loss). The participants were classified into frail, pre-frail, and non-frail groups. The prevalence of physical frailty was 6.6%. This study found significant associations between physical frailty and low FFS after adjusting for covariates (odds ratio (OR) 0.90, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.84-0.97, p < 0.01). The optimal cutoff point of the FFS for physical frailty was ≤16 points. FFS lower than the cutoff point were significantly associated with physical frailty after adjusting for covariates (OR 3.46, 95% CI 1.60-7.50, p < 0.01). Diet variety assessed using the FFS cutoff value of ≤16 points was related to the physical frailty status in community-dwelling older adults.

DOI： 10.3390/healthcare9010032

Scopus

PubMed

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

INTRODUCTION: Frailty is associated with adverse outcomes, but few studies have determined associations between the frailty phenotype and measures of healthcare burden, including long-term care insurance (LTCI) costs, in older community-dwelling populations. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine the association between frailty status and subsequent LTCI costs in Japanese community-dwelling older adults. METHODS: The prospective data were from a cohort study (National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology-Study of Geriatric Syndromes [NCGG-SGS]). The participants were community-dwelling older adults (mean age 71.8 years, women 50.7%) participating in an NCGG-SGS baseline examination held between August 2011 and February 2012 in Obu, Japan (N = 4,539). At baseline, we assessed the physical frailty phenotype using the Japanese version of the CHS criteria and categorized it as robust, pre-frail, or frail. We also ascertained care-needs certification and total costs using long-term care services in Japan's public LTCI system during the 29 months. RESULTS: During the 29-month follow-up period, 239 participants (5.3%) required the LTCI system's care-needs certification and 163 participants (3.6%) used LTCI services. Participants classified as frail (odds ratio 5.85, 95% confidence interval 3.54-9.66) or pre-frail (2.40, 1.58-3.66) at the baseline assessment had an increased risk of requiring care-needs certification compared with robust participants. The mean total costs for LTCI services during the 29 months were \6,434 ($63.1) for robust, \19,324 ($189.5) for pre-frail, and \147,718 ($1,448.2) for frail participants (1 US dollar = 102 Japanese yen in July 2014). There were significantly higher costs associated with advancing frailty status. Individual frailty components (slowness, weakness, exhaustion, low activity, and weight loss) were also associated with higher total costs for using LTCI services. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: Frail community-dwelling older adults had a higher risk of requiring the LTCI system's care-needs certification and the subsequent total LTCI costs.

DOI： 10.1159/000514679

Scopus

PubMed

Language：Japanese   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

OBJECTIVE: To examine whether age-specific prevalence of frailty in Japan changed between 2012 and 2017. DESIGN: This study performed meta-analyses of data collected from 2012 to 2017 using the Integrated Longitudinal Studies on Aging in Japan (ILSA-J), a collection of representative Japanese cohort studies. SETTING: The ILSA-J studies were conducted on community-living older adults. PARTICIPANTS: ILSA-J studies were considered eligible for analysis if they assessed physical frailty status and presence of frailty in the sample. Seven studies were analyzed for 2012 (±1 year; n = 10312) and eight studies were analyzed for 2017 (±1 year; n = 7010). Five studies were analyzed for both 2012 and 2017. MEASUREMENTS: The study assessed the prevalence of frailty and frailty status according to 5 criteria: slowness, weakness, low activity, exhaustion, and weight loss. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of physical frailty was 7.0% in 2012 and 5.3% in 2017. The prevalence of frailty, especially in people 70 years and older, tended to decrease in 2017 compared to 2012. Slight decreases were found in the prevalence of frailty subitems including weight loss, slowness, exhaustion, and low activity between 2012 and 2017, but change in the prevalence of weakness was weaker than other components. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of physical frailty decreased from 2012 to 2017. There are age- and gender-related variations in the decrease of each component of frailty.

DOI： 10.14283/jfa.2020.68

Scopus

PubMed

Language：Japanese   Publisher：公益社団法人 日本理学療法士協会  

<p>　新型コロナウイルス（COVID-19）感染拡大に伴う緊急事態宣言発令以降，外出の自粛要請をはじめとする多くの対策がなされた。その結果，地域・在宅で生活する高齢者や要介護者は活動の制限を余儀なくされ，諸機能の低下を招いた者も認められた。このような状況の中，本学会では感染予防や自粛中の関わり方など，COVID-19に関する情報共有をはじめ，実務に有益な情報の発信や調査・報告などを行うため，有志による特別チームを立ち上げ，活動を行ってきた。</p><p>　緊急事態宣言の解除以降は，地域の通いの場の再開や医療・介護サービスの実施にあたって，感染予防の徹底を図るとともに，新しい日常生活様式を踏まえた介入方法を模索しながら活動を行っている。また，第2波，第3波への備えや新たな地域交流・社会参加を目指すために必要な情報，事例を提示するとともに，アンケート調査の結果などから得られた臨床の課題についても取り組み始めている。</p><p>　この特別シンポジウムでは，特別チームの活動について報告するとともに，現状の課題を踏まえ，その解決に向けた対策など，何かしらの情報提供や方向性を提示できれば幸いです。</p>

DOI： 10.14900/cjpt.48S1.B-46

Language：Japanese   Publisher：公益社団法人 日本理学療法士協会  

<p>　日常生活において，運動によって身体活動を促進することは，全世代を通して心身に効果的であることはおそらく疑いの余地はないであろう。身体活動の減少は，喫煙，高血圧に次いで日本人の死亡に及ぼす危険因子とされており，さまざまな疾患の発症リスクを増大させる（Ikeda N, <i>et al</i>. 2011）。とくに，高齢期の日常生活における身体活動（physical activity）を促進することは，健康寿命の延伸を目指すうえでの重要な課題のひとつと考える。</p><p>　習慣的な運動や積極的な身体活動は，認知症の発症リスクを低減させることにも寄与するとされている。週3回以上の運動習慣（15分以上の運動：ウォーキング，ハイキング，サイクリング，スイミング，水中運動，有酸素運動や柔軟体操，筋力トレーニングやストレッチングなど）を有する者では，週3回未満の者に比べて認知症を発症する危険が約38％低かったことが報告されている（Larson EB, <i>et al</i>. 2006）。さらに，運動習慣が認知症の発症に及ぼす影響は，軽度から中等度の運動機能の低下を認めた高齢者ほど顕著であった。つまり，やや運動機能の低下が生じ始めた時期に，より意識的に身体活動を維持・向上しておくことの重要性を示している。また，日常的な運動習慣は，加齢による脳萎縮の抑制に対しても効果的であることが期待されている（Cabral DF, <i>et al</i>. 2019）。</p><p>　しかしながら，身体的活動を増加させるほどに望ましいかについては慎重になるべきである。高齢女性16,741名を対象に1日の歩数と死亡発生との関連を縦断的に調べた報告によると，約7,500歩に達するまでは1日歩数の増加は死亡リスク低減と関連したが，1日10,000歩に達することの付加的な利得は認められなかった（Lee IM, <i>et al</i>. 2019）。</p><p>　一般的に健康的な心身機能を維持するためには週150分（1日30分，週5日間）程度の中強度程度（やや速歩き相当）の運動の実施が推奨されている（Nelson ME, 2007）。しかし，高齢者にとっては中強度以上の負荷を伴う運動はさまざまな障壁やリスクを抱えることも少なくない。低強度から中強度の運動による身体活動（週3回程度）であっても，将来の認知障害の発生が有意に低くなることが報告されており（Sofi F, <i>et al</i>. 2011），たとえ低強度から中強度程度の負荷の運動であっても習慣化することが高齢期の認知機能低下の予防に有効であるかもしれない。さらに，アルツハイマー病を発症する9～10年程度前から身体活動量が低下し始めるとされている（Sabia S, <i>et al</i>. 2017）。そのため，一時的に運動習慣を習得して身体活動量を高めるだけではなく，高めた身体活動量を維持する生活スタイルをいかにして確立するかがさらに重要である。</p><p>　日常におけるさまざまな活動には，身体的活動（physical activity）の他，知的活動（cognitive activity），社会的活動（social activity）などがあり，これらが高齢期における健康関連指標へ影響を及ぼすことが示唆されている。日常でこれらの活動をいかに多面的に促進していくかが健康長寿の鍵になると考えられ，理学療法には対象者の活動の多様性と継続性を支援することも重要な対策のひとつと考えられる。</p>

DOI： 10.14900/cjpt.48S1.C-61

Language：Japanese   Publisher：公益社団法人 日本理学療法士協会  

DOI： 10.14900/cjpt.48S1.E-71_1

Language：Japanese   Publisher：公益社団法人 日本理学療法士協会  

DOI： 10.14900/cjpt.48S1.E-108_1

Language：Japanese   Publisher：公益社団法人 日本理学療法士協会  

DOI： 10.14900/cjpt.48S1.E-69_2

Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本臨床栄養協会  

Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本作業療法士協会  

Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本作業療法士協会  

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Language：Japanese   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：MDPI AG  

(1) Background: The present study aimed to examine physical, cognitive and emotional factors affecting falls in community-dwelling older adults with and without pain; (2) Methods: Data from 789 older adults who participated in a community-based health survey were analyzed. Participants completed questionnaires on the presence of pain and previous falls. Muscle weakness (handgrip strength &lt; 26.0 kg for men and &lt; 18.0 kg for women) and low skeletal muscle mass (appendicular skeletal muscle mass index &lt; 7.0 kg/m2 for men and &lt; 5.7 kg/m2 for women) were determined. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and depressive symptoms were assessed using the National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology-Functional Assessment Tool and 15-item geriatric depression scale (GDS-15), respectively; (3) Results: In participants with pain, MCI and GDS-15 were associated with previous falls after adjusting for age, sex, education and medication use. In participants without pain, muscle weakness and low skeletal muscle mass were associated with previous falls when adjusting for the above covariates; (4) Conclusions: Falls in participants with pain were associated with cognitive and emotional factors, whereas falls in those without pain were associated with physical factors. Fall prevention interventions for older adults with pain may require tailored strategies to address cognitive and emotional factors.

DOI： 10.3390/ijerph17144960

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PubMed

Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本医学教育学会  

Language：Japanese   Publisher：(公社)日本リハビリテーション医学会  

Authorship：Lead author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Language：Japanese   Publisher：(公社)日本理学療法士協会  

【目的】地域在住高齢者の有する腰痛と膝痛が、急性もしくは慢性疼痛であるかの違いによって身体機能に及ぼす影響を明らかにする。【方法】地域コホート研究(垂水研究2018)に参加した65歳以上の高齢者735名を対象とした。質問紙により急性・慢性疼痛の有無を聴取し、歩行速度および握力との関連を分析した。【結果】ロジスティック回帰分析の結果、慢性疼痛の有無は歩行速度低下と有意に関連していたが(調整後オッズ比2.55、p=0.001)、急性疼痛との関連はなかった(調整後オッズ比1.19、p=0.632)(年齢、性別、GDS-15、内服薬数、ASMI、握力を共変量)。急性・慢性疼痛の有無と握力低下との関連はなかった(急性疼痛有無:調整後オッズ比1.22、p=0.477。慢性疼痛有無:調整後オッズ比0.85、p=0.530)。【結論】地域在住高齢者において、慢性疼痛を有することと歩行速度低下との関連が示唆された。(著者抄録)

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate relationships between individuals' ratings of satisfaction and performance of activities that they found meaningful and depressive symptoms. Data was obtained from 806 older adults (mean age 74.9 ± 6.3 years, women = 63.0%) who participated in a community-based health check survey (Tarumizu Study 2018). Participants selected meaningful activities from 95 activities using the Aid for Decision-Making in Occupation Choice and evaluated their satisfaction and performance. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15) and defined by a GDS-15 score of ≥5. Non-linear logistic regression analyses were used separately by gender to examine the association between satisfaction and performance of meaningful activities and depressive symptoms. The prevalence of depressive symptoms was 15.8%. We found no significant difference between meaningful activity choice between older adults with depressive symptoms and those without, in both men and women. After adjusting for potential covariates, satisfaction was associated with depressive symptoms in both men (OR 0.52, 95% CI 0.35-0.77) and women (OR 0.67, 95% CI 0.49-0.91), but performance was limited in women (OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.77-0.99). Our findings suggest that depressive symptoms are associated with satisfaction in meaningful activities regardless of activity categories.

DOI： 10.3390/jcm9030795

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

OBJECTIVES: The current study aimed to elucidate the associations between cognitive leisure activities and cognitive function in an older population stratified by having or not having depressive symptoms. DESIGN: A retrospective cross-sectional study based on a self-report questionnaire. SETTING: Annual health check-ups in a rural community in Japan. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 11 010 community-dwelling older adults aged ≥65 years (mean age: 74.0±5.4 years) was examined. Participants with missing data for the main outcome (n=1630) were excluded. OUTCOME MEASURES: Cognitive impairment was defined as at least 1.5 SD below the reference threshold (age-adjusted and education-adjusted score) on two of more of the tests in the National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology-Functional Assessment Tool. Depressive symptoms were defined by a 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale score ≥6. We assessed the frequency of participation in cognitive leisure activities using the validated scale (score: 0-42). A score of ≥8 points was defined as frequent participation in cognitive leisure activities. RESULTS: A total of 12.6% (n=1186) of the participants had depressive symptoms. There was a significant association between cognitive leisure activities and cognitive impairment in older adults (adjusted OR=0.77, 95% CI=0.65 to 0.94). In older adults with depressive symptoms, a higher frequency of cognitive leisure activities was negatively associated with cognitive impairment (adjusted OR=0.45, 95% CI=0.28 to 0.70). In contrast, there was no significant association in older adults without depressive symptoms (adjusted OR=0.85, 95% CI=0.70 to 1.02). CONCLUSIONS: Engaging in cognitive leisure activities in late life is associated with better cognitive function in older adults with depressive symptoms.

DOI： 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-032679

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Language：English  

Seven participants had a diagnosis of dementia; the number of excluded participants differed based on different exclusion processes, and there was missing data of one participant with a dementia diagnosis [...].

DOI： 10.3390/ijerph17010175

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PubMed

Authorship：Lead author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Depressive symptoms and memory problems are risk factors for dementia. Exercise can reduce these in older people, and horticultural activity can benefit people with dementia. This study assessed the efficacy of exercise and horticultural interventions for community-dwelling older adults with depressive symptoms and mild memory decline. In this randomized controlled trial, older adults (n = 89) were assigned to exercise, horticultural, or control groups. Exercise and horticultural programs included 20 weekly 90-minute sessions. The control group attended two 90-minute classes. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, and then 6- and 12-months post-intervention. Primary outcome measures were the Geriatric Depression Scale-15 (GDS-15) and Wechsler Memory Scale-Revised. Walking speed, two-minute walking test scores, social network, life space, and subjective daily physical activity were secondary outcome measures. Compared with the control group, the exercise group obtained higher immediate and delayed recall logical memory scores, and the increase in immediate recall scores remained 12-months post-intervention. Two-minute walking performance improved in the exercise group, but not after 12 months. GDS-15 scores showed no significant improvements. The horticultural and control groups showed no differences. Exercise may improve memory, while horticultural activity may not. The effects of exercise and horticultural interventions on depressive symptoms remain unclear.

DOI： 10.3390/jcm9010099

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PubMed

Authorship：Lead author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

A gradually increasing prevalence of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is recognized in the super-aging society that Japan faces, and early detection and intervention in community-dwellers with MCI are critical issues to prevent dementia. Although many previous studies have revealed MCI/non-MCI differences in older individuals, information on the prevalence and characteristics of MCI in rural older adults is limited. The aim of this study was to investigate differential characteristics between older adults with and without MCI. The investigation was conducted over one year from 2018 to 2019. Participants were recruited from Akita in northern Japan. Neuropsychological assessments were applied to classify MCI, including the National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology Functional Assessment Tool (NCGG-FAT) and the Touch panel-type Dementia Assessment Scale (TDAS) based on the Alzheimer's disease assessment scale. Our samples consisted of 103 older adults divided into 54 non-MCI and 49 MCI. The MCI group had lower scores of all cognitive items. Our results showed that individuals with MCI had significantly slower walking speed (WS) and worse geriatric depression scale (GDS) compared to non-MCI. In addition, WS was significantly associated with some cognitive items in non-MCI, but not in MCI. Finally, we showed that predictive variables of MCI were WS and GDS. Our study provides important information about MCI in rural community-dwellers. We suggest that older adults living in a super-aging society should receive lower limb training, and avoiding depression in older adults through interaction of community-dwellers may contribute to preventing the onset of MCI.

DOI： 10.3390/jcm8111937

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PubMed

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

AIM: The present study aimed to determine whether measures of chronic pain are associated with social frailty in community-dwelling older adults. METHODS: Participants comprised 248 older adults who enrolled for community-based exercise classes. Chronic pain was defined as the presence of significant pain-related symptoms within the past month that had continued for at least 6 months. Social frailty was defined as positive responses to two of the following five questions (going out less frequently, rarely visiting friends, feeling unhelpful to friends or family, living alone and not talking with someone every day). Physical function was assessed using the Chair Stand and Timed Up and Go tests. RESULTS: A total of 55 participants (22.2%) met the criteria for social frailty. A total of 28 socially frail participants (50.9%) and 56 of the socially integrated participants (29.0%) reported chronic pain. The presence of chronic pain was significantly associated with social frailty after adjusting for age, sex and physical function measures (odds ratio 2.13, 95% confidence interval 1.01-4.48). Chronic pain was also significantly associated with three social frailty items: going out less frequently, rarely visiting friends and feeling unhelpful to friends or family. CONCLUSIONS: Chronic pain was independently associated with social frailty in community-dwelling older adults. Simple assessments of chronic pain and subsequent pain management interventions might be beneficial for older people with social frailty. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2019; 19: 1153-1156.

DOI： 10.1111/ggi.13785

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Authorship：Lead author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

AIM: This cross-sectional study examined whether sleep duration and excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) were associated with social frailty in community-dwelling older people. METHODS: A total of 4427 community-dwelling older people (51.4% women, mean age 71.9 years) who met the entry criteria were included in this study. Social frailty was assessed by five questions, relating to going out less frequently than last year, not visiting friends sometimes, not feeling helpful to friends or family, living alone and not talking with someone every day. Participants with two or more components were defined as having social frailty. Sleep duration and EDS were assessed by self-reported questionnaire. Logistic regression analysis estimated odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals of social frailty according to EDS or the three categories of sleep duration (short ≤6.0 h, medium 6.1-8.9 h, long ≥9.0 h), and we used medium-duration sleepers as the reference group. RESULTS: Among all participants, the prevalence of social frailty in each sleep duration group was as follows: long 18.3%, short 9.9% and medium 9.7% (P < 0.001). The prevalence of social frailty in participants with EDS was 17.1% (no EDS 10.2%, P < 0.001). Long sleep duration (odds ratio 1.46, 95% confidence interval 1.14-1.84) and presence of EDS (hazard ratio 1.32, 95% confidence interval 1.02-1.71) were associated with higher rates of social frailty after adjustments for several covariates. CONCLUSIONS: Long sleep duration and EDS were associated with social frailty; thus, older people with both sleep patterns would have a higher risk of progression of social frailty. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2019; 19: 885-889.

DOI： 10.1111/ggi.13734

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Language：English  

This study examined whether sleep duration and excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) are related to cognitive decline among community-dwelling older adults with intact cognition at baseline, using 4-year longitudinal data. A total of 3,151 community-dwelling older individuals aged ≥65 years were studied. They were assessed for cognitive function, including memory, attention, executive function and processing speed. Cognitive impairment was defined based on a score >1.5 standard deviations below the age- and education-specific mean. Cognitive decline was defined in one or more cognitive tests at follow-up. Self-reported sleep duration (short, ≤6.0 hr; medium, 6.1-8.9 hr; long, ≥9.0 hr) and EDS at first-wave examination were assessed and logistic regression analyses were used to examine the associations of sleep duration and EDS with cognitive status at second-wave examination. The incidence of cognitive decline differed significantly among the sleep-duration groups (short, 15.9%; medium, 11.9%; long, 20.1%; p = 0.001). The prevalence of having EDS was 13.1%, which was associated with a higher rate of cognitive decline than having no EDS (18.9% vs. 12.5%, p = 0.004). Long sleep duration compared with medium sleep duration (OR, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.05-2.13) and EDS (1.43; 1.01-2.03) independently impacted the incidence of cognitive decline. The results were similar after multiple imputations (long, 1.68, 1.12-2.52; EDS, 1.55, 1.05-2.29). In conclusion, our study revealed that both long sleep duration and EDS were independent risk factors associated with cognitive decline after 4 years among older adults.

DOI： 10.1111/jsr.12803

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PubMed

Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本老年医学会  

Language：Japanese   Publisher：(NPO)日本高血圧学会  

Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本老年医学会  

Language：Japanese   Publisher：(NPO)日本高血圧学会  

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Language：English  

This cross-sectional study investigated the association between chronic pain and physical frailty in community-dwelling older adults. We analyzed data obtained from 323 older adults (women: 74.6%) who participated in a community-based health check survey (the Tarumizu Study, 2017). Physical frailty was defined in terms of five parameters (exhaustion, slowness, weakness, low physical activity, and weight loss). We assessed the prevalence of chronic low back and knee pain using questionnaires. Participants whose pain had lasted ≥two months were considered to have chronic pain. Among all participants, 138 (42.7%) had chronic pain, and 171 (53.0%) were categorized as having physical frailty or pre-frailty. Logistic regression analysis showed that chronic pain was significantly associated with the group combining frailty and pre-frailty (odds ratio 1.68, 95% confidence interval 1.03-2.76, p = 0.040) after adjustment for age, sex, body mass index, score on the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale, and medications. Comparing the proportions of chronic pain among participants who responded to the sub-items, exhaustion (yes: 65.9%, no: 39.4%) demonstrated a significant association (p < 0.001). Chronic pain could be associated with the group combining frailty and pre-frailty and is particularly associated with exhaustion in community-dwelling older adults. Therefore, there is a need for early intervention and consideration of the role of exhaustion when devising interventions for physical frailty in older individuals with chronic pain.

DOI： 10.3390/ijerph16081330

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Outpatient rehabilitation (OR) and outpatient day long-term care (ODLC) services are frequently used by older adult patients in Japan. However, there is a need to clarify that OR service, which has more rehabilitation professionals than ODLC, has the role of providing rehabilitation. This retrospective study examined the impact of OR services by comparing the two services based on City A data from the care-needs certification survey conducted between 2015 to 2017. We performed a propensity score matched analysis to compare the changes in the care level and function of OR and ODLC users after two years. The results showed that OR users showed a lower deterioration in care levels and less decline in the activities of daily living (ADL) in dementia and adaptation to social life. In the analysis of older adults requiring support, OR users had a lower deterioration in care levels and less decline in the ADL in dementia and behavioral and psychological symptoms than ODLC users did. There was no difference between the two services with respect to older adults requiring long-term care. The OR service has had an increasingly preventive effect on the deterioration of care levels compared to the ODLC service, which was particularly evident in older adults requiring support.

DOI： 10.3390/ijerph16071292

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Language：English  

This cross-sectional study investigated the association between osteoporosis, grip strength, and skeletal muscle mass in community-dwelling older women. Data obtained from 265 older women who participated in a community-based health check survey (Tarumizu Study) were analyzed. Face-to-face interviews with participants revealed their history of osteoporosis. Appendicular skeletal muscle mass was assessed through bioelectrical impedance analysis, and appendicular skeletal muscle index was calculated. Dominant grip strength was also assessed. Loss of skeletal muscle mass (appendicular skeletal muscle mass < 5.7 kg/m²) and muscle weakness (grip strength < 18 kg) were determined based on criteria for sarcopenia put forth by the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia. The prevalence rates of osteoporosis, muscle weakness, and loss of skeletal muscle mass were 27.2%, 28.7%, and 50.2%, respectively. Loss of skeletal muscle mass was more prevalent in participants with osteoporosis than in those without (65.3% vs. 44.6%, p < 0.01). The association between osteoporosis and muscle strength was not significant (30.6% vs. 28.0%, p = 0.68). After covariate adjustment, loss of skeletal muscle mass was found to be independently associated with osteoporosis (odds ratio 2.56, 95% confidence interval 1.33⁻4.91). In sum, osteoporosis was found to be associated with loss of skeletal muscle mass, but not with muscle weakness in community-dwelling older women.

DOI： 10.3390/ijerph16071228

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PubMed

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

This study examined the association between the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and disability incidence according to sedentary time in community-dwelling Japanese older adults. This prospective cohort study sampled 5,104 community-dwelling older adults (≥65 years) enrolled in a health promotion study in a general population. The participants (n = 4,457; ≥65 years) were monitored for inclusion in the long-term care insurance system for 4 years. This study used blood samples to assess eGFR. Cox proportional regression analysis was used to determine predictors of disability. In total, 461 participants (10.3%) became newly certified as needing long-term care insurance services. Cox regression models were adjusted for multiple confounders: eGFR < 45 ml/min/1.73 m2 (hazard ratio = 1.741, 95% confidence interval [1.193-2.539]) and eGFR < 45 ml/min/1.73 m2 with high sedentary time (≥8 hr) (hazard ratio = 4.367, 95% confidence interval [2.021-9.438]) remained significantly associated with disability incidence. Our findings suggest that in the case of chronic kidney disease, the disability incidence rate may be affected by sedentary time.

DOI： 10.1123/japa.2017-0326

PubMed

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Language：English  

BACKGROUND: Although previous studies have revealed many factors related to mild cognitive impairment (MCI) reversion, information about reversible factors related MCI reversion is limited, impeding the development of intervention strategies. The aim of the present study was to examine whether reversible factors such as lifestyle activities are associated with MCI reversion in elderly individuals using the National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology-Study of Geriatric Syndromes database. A total of 396 community-living older adults (age ≥ 65 years) participated in the study. They were classified as reverters or non-reverters from mild cognitive impairment to normal cognition. We assessed lifestyle activities, potential confounding factors of cognitive decline, and reversion of mild cognitive impairment. RESULTS: In a completed data set of 396 participants, 202 participants (51.0%) reverted from MCI to normal cognition. The reversion rate in participants for whom we imputed data was 34.3%. In the imputed group, a logistic regression model showed that the odds ratios (ORs) for reversion were significantly higher in participants who drove a car (OR 1.50, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.41-1.60), used a map to travel to unfamiliar places (OR 1.12, 95% CI 1.06-1.18), read books or newspapers (OR 1.54, 95% CI 1.37-1.73), took cultural classes (OR 1.10, 95% CI 1.04-1.15), attended meetings in the community (OR 1.22, 95% CI 1.16-1.28), participated in hobbies or sports activities (OR 1.09, 95% CI 1.03-1.16), and engaged in fieldwork or gardening (OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.08-1.21). The imputed sample showed that non-reverters were more likely to discontinue fieldwork or gardening (11.0% vs. 6.1%) than reverters during the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: Specific lifestyle activities may play important roles in MCI reversion in older adults. The longitudinal data indicate that it is reasonable to recommend that individuals continue to engage in fieldwork or gardening to increase their chance of recovery from MCI.

DOI： 10.1186/s13195-019-0480-5

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：(株)ワールドプランニング  

本研究は、独居高齢者に焦点をあてて、心の理論と社会参加の関連について検討した。鹿児島県垂水市における垂水研究2017に参加した地域在住高齢者のうち独居者102人を対象とした。調査項目は、心の理論、年齢、性別、認知機能、抑うつ状態、社会参加、外出頻度、毎日の他者との会話の有無とした。心の理論の一次的信念課題はサリーとアン課題とし、同課題に「アンが宝物を移す様子を窓からサリーが見ている」という内容を加え「アンは、戻ってきたサリーがどこを探すと思うか」と質問し、二次的信念課題とした。一次的・二次的信念課題それぞれで、正解と不正解の2群に分けて単変量解析を行い、有意差を認めた項目を独立変数、正解・不正解を従属変数としたロジスティック回帰分析を行った。その結果、二次的信念課題において、社会参加が関連因子として抽出された。独居高齢者において、心の理論を保つために社会参加を支援することの重要性が示唆された。(著者抄録)

Other Link： https://search.jamas.or.jp/index.php?module=Default&action=Link&pub_year=2019&ichushi_jid=J02464&link_issn=&doc_id=20190305030008&doc_link_id=%2Faj2rsizd%2F2019%2F003002%2F009%2F0177-0184%26dl%3D0&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.medicalonline.jp%2Fjamas.php%3FGoodsID%3D%2Faj2rsizd%2F2019%2F003002%2F009%2F0177-0184%26dl%3D0&type=MedicalOnline&icon=https%3A%2F%2Fjk04.jamas.or.jp%2Ficon%2F00004_2.gif

Language：Japanese   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Springer Science and Business Media LLC  

DOI： 10.1007/s12603-018-1110-9

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Other Link： http://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s12603-018-1110-9.pdf

Authorship：Lead author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

DOI： 10.1111/ggi.13571

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PubMed

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Language：Japanese   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Language：Japanese   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Language：English  

BACKGROUND: Driving cessation is strongly associated with adverse health outcomes in the older adults. Although there were numerous documentations of driving rehabilitation in disabled adults, the effects of interventions on safe driving were not clear in older adults with cognitive impairment who had low driving skills. OBJECTIVE: This randomized controlled trial was designed to determine whether a safe driving skill program consisting of classroom and on-road training could enhance driving performance of older drivers with cognitive impairment in Japan. METHODS: A total of 160 community-living older drivers participated in the randomized controlled trial with blinded endpoint assessment. Participants randomized to intervention underwent 10 1-h classroom sessions and 10 1-h on-road sessions focused on common problem areas of older drivers. Controls received 1 classroom education. On-road driving performance was assessed by certified driving school instructors in a driving school. The participants carried out dynamic vision and cognitive performance tests. RESULTS: One hundred and forty-six (intervention group, n = 71) subjects completed the 3-month follow-up. Mean adherence to classroom-based vision training and driving simulator training and on-road training programs, including the 71 participants, was 99.0 ± 6.4 and 99.0 ± 7.2%, respectively. Regarding the safe driving skill score, there were group × time interactions (p < 0.01) indicating benefits of the intervention over time. Although there were no significant group × time interactions in cognitive tests, dynamic vision showed group × time interactions (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The driving skill program significantly improved safe driving performance in older adults with cognitive impairment who were at a potentially high risk of a car accident.

DOI： 10.1159/000487759

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Language：English  

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analyses was to calculate the pooled prevalence of sarcopenia based on the Asia Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) criteria among Japanese community-dwelling older adults. Data from 8 studies were used to determine the prevalence of sarcopenia in the overall population and in men; data from 9 studies were used to determine that of women. The pooled prevalence rates of sarcopenia using random-effects models were 9.9% (95% confidence interval [CI], 6.2%-15.4%) overall; 9.8% (95% CI, 6.2%-15.2%) among men; and 10.1% (95% CI, 6.4%-15.5%) among women. These findings would be useful to inform community-based strategies and advanced research addressing sarcopenia prevention.

DOI： 10.1298/ptr.R0005

PubMed

Language：Japanese   Publisher：日本作業療法研究学会  

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Language：English  

AIM: The purpose of the present study was to identify risk factors for physical frailty and to understand the transitional status of frailty. METHODS: The participants were 4676 older adults in the National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology - Study of Geriatric Syndromes. Physical frailty status was classified as robust, pre-frail and frail at baseline and 4-year follow up (mean follow up 47.9 ± 1.8 months). Data for demographic variables, medical conditions, fall, depressive symptoms and cognitive function were also collected. Multiple imputation was used to reduce selection bias and loss of information. RESULTS: Progression occurred from a robust to frail status in 52 participants (2.6%) and from pre-frailty to frailty in 281 participants (12.0%). Mortality increased with frailty status at baseline: robust 46 (2.3%), pre-frail 112 (4.8%) and frail 54 (15.6%). In logistic regression analysis, age (OR 1.10, 95% CI 1.06-1.13), sex (men; OR 0.67, 95% CI 0.46-0.95), body mass index (OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.01-1.12]), fall (OR 1.92, 95% CI 1.31-2.81), Geriatric Depression Scale (OR 1.15, 95% CI 1.08-1.22), Mini-Mental State Examination (OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.82-0.93) and education (OR 0.91, 95% CI 0.85-0.98), were related with new incident frailty. Among participants in the pre-frail class at baseline, exhaustion (OR 3.24, 95% CI 1.97-5.34), physical inactivity (OR 3.09, 95% CI 1.94-4.93), lower muscle strength (OR 3.77, 95% CI 2.35-6.03) and lower mobility (OR 2.54, 95% CI 1.57-4.10) were related to progression to frailty (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present prospective study provide key information on the transitional status of frailty and the risk factors for progression to frailty. A further study is required to determine the pathophysiological changes that underlie the transition to frailty. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; 18: 1562-1566.

DOI： 10.1111/ggi.13525

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Language：English  

BACKGROUND: Anorexia of ageing may be a precursor to various geriatric syndromes. We elucidated whether anorexia of ageing had a significant impact on incident disability and investigated whether anorexia of ageing had a direct association with future disability or an indirect association with disability via frailty. METHODS: This study employed an observational, longitudinal, cohort design in a community setting. Participants were 4393 older adults (75.9 ± 4.3 years). Anorexia of ageing was assessed by a simplified nutritional appetite questionnaire. Frailty was operationalized as slowness, weakness, exhaustion, low physical activity, and weight loss. Participants who had none of these characteristics were considered robust, those with one or two characteristics were considered pre-frail, and those with three or more characteristics were considered frail. We examined sociodemographic variables (age, sex, and education), medical history (medication and chronic disease history), lifestyle factors (smoking and drinking habits and living arrangement), body mass index, blood nutrition data, depressive symptoms, physical functioning, and cognitive functioning. RESULTS: The prevalence of anorexia of ageing was 10.7% (n = 468). The proportion of physical frailty, pre-frailty, and robustness were 8.4, 52.0, and 39.6%, respectively, in the without anorexia of ageing group, and 20.3, 57.7, and 22.0%, respectively, in the anorexia of ageing group (P < 0.001). During a 2-year follow-up, the prevalence proportion of disability was 5.6% in the without anorexia of ageing group and 10.7% in the anorexia of ageing group (P < 0.001). Adjusted for covariates (except for frailty status), the participants with anorexia of ageing had an independently associated higher risk of incident disability compared with those without anorexia of ageing (hazard ratio: 1.43, 95% confidence interval: 1.04-1.95, P = 0.03). However, adjusted for covariates (including frailty status), anorexia of ageing was not significantly associated with incident disability (P = 0.09). Structural equation models revealed that anorexia of ageing had no direct effect on disability; however, anorexia of ageing was associated with frailty. CONCLUSIONS: Older adults with anorexia of ageing had a higher proportion of frailty and a higher prevalence proportion of disability compared with those without anorexia of ageing. Although anorexia of ageing may not have a direct effect on incident disability, the structural equation model suggests an indirect relationship between anorexia of ageing and incident disability via frailty status.

DOI： 10.1002/jcsm.12330

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Language：English  

BACKGROUND: Walk ratio (WR), calculated by dividing step length by cadence, can be used to represent the gait characteristics of human beings to maintain their gait speed. RESEARCH QUESTION: The aim of this study was to examine whether WR could distinguish fallers from community-dwelling elderly people. METHODS: We recruited 9205 elderly people (mean age: 73.7 ± 5.6 years, 4218 men and 4987 women) from the National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology - Study of Geriatric Syndromes. Fall history was assessed by face-to-face interview, and "fallers" were defined as people who had fallen at least once within the past year. WR was calculated as corrected step length divided by corrected cadence, and we divided the subjects into three groups according to the tertile of WR (T1, T2, and T3). We also stratified the participants by gait speed (<1.0 or ≥1.0 m/s). RESULTS: With reference to the T3 group, the T1 group had a higher odds ratio (OR) of falling in the past year [OR: 1.24, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.09-1.41], even after adjusting for other covariates. After stratification by gait speed, the same multivariate analyses were conducted. In the participants who walked at 1.0 m/s or faster, the T1 group had a higher OR [1.27, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.10-1.48], while there was no significant association with fall rate among those who walked slower than 1.0 m/s. SIGNIFICANCE: This study revealed that the smallest WR was independently associated with falling in the past year among community-dwelling elderly people, especially elderly people with no deterioration of gait speed. These results suggest that intervention regarding gait pattern, especially WR, would help to prevent falls.

DOI： 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2018.08.030

Web of Science

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Language：English  

AIM: The prevalence of dementia is rising due to increases in the aging population and chronic health conditions. The present study examined whether lifestyle activities, including instrumental activities of daily living and social roles, were associated with dementia incidence in Japanese community-dwelling older adults. METHODS: This longitudinal study involved 4564 participants (age ≥65 years) who were classified by age and sex. Lifestyle activities, risk factors for dementia and incidence of new dementia were recorded. RESULTS: After an average of 42.6 months, 219 participants (4.8%) experienced a new onset of dementia. Survival analyses using the Cox proportional hazards regression model showed that the probability of dementia was significantly lower in participants who engaged in daily conversation (hazard ratio [HR] 0.56, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.35-0.89, P = 0.015), driving a car (HR 0.63, 95% CI 0.45-0.88, P = 0.007), shopping (HR 0.57, 95% CI 0.34-0.96, P = 0.033) and field work or gardening (HR 0.71, 95% CI 0.54-0.94, P = 0.016). CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that specific lifestyle activities might play an important role in preventing dementia in older adults. The activities that prevent dementia might differ depending on sex and age. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; 18: 1491-1496.

DOI： 10.1111/ggi.13504

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Language：English  

BACKGROUND: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a high risk of conversion to dementia and gait dysfunction is also a risk for dementia. The goal of the study was to examine if co-occurrence of MCI and slow gait (SG) increases the risk of dementia. METHODS: A prospective study was conducted in 3937 older adults who did not have dementia at baseline. Participants were classified into groups based on status of MCI and SG: without MCI and SG (control), without MCI and with SG (SG), without SG and with MCI in a single domain (sMCI) or multiple domains (mMCI), sMCI and SG (sMCI + SG), and mMCI and SG (mMCI + SG). Incident dementia was followed monthly. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to calculate the hazard ratio for incident dementia in each group. RESULTS: During a mean follow-up period of 43 months, 182 subjects had incident dementia. MCI was a risk factor for dementia and SG increased the risk, even after adjusting for covariates (SG: HR = 1.31 (0.81-2.14), 95% CI = 0.276, sMCI: HR = 1.87, 95% CI = 1.21-2.88, p = .005; mMCI: HR = 3.36, 95% CI = 1.98-5.71, p < .001; sMCI + SG: HR = 3.33, 95% CI = 1.92-5.77, p < .001; mMCI + SG: HR = 5.02, 95% CI = 2.75-9.14, p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Co-occurrence of MCI and SG has a high risk of dementia compared to that of each condition alone. Evaluation of both gait and cognition is useful in risk assessment of dementia.

DOI： 10.1016/j.exger.2018.06.002

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本作業療法士協会  

Language：English  

Cognitive frailty, defined as the presence of both frailty and cognitive impairment, is a risk factor for adverse events in older adults. However, prevalence rates of cognitive frailty are low (1.1⁻2.5%), so primary screening is unsuitable in community settings. The aim of the study was to examine whether a new definition of cognitive frailty, which was developed for primary screening, is useful to predict incident dementia in community-dwelling older adults. A total of 4570 older adults participated in the study (2326 women; average age, 71.9 ± 5.5 years). We defined physical frailty as the presence of ≥1 of the following symptoms: slow walking speed and muscle weakness. Cognitive impairment was defined as ≥1 symptom of cognitive impairment, indicated by an age- and education-adjusted score that was ≥1.5 standard deviations below the reference threshold in word list memory, attention, executive function, and processing speed tests. Cognitive frailty was defined as comorbid physical frailty and cognitive impairment. The incidence of dementia was determined using data collected by the Japanese Health Insurance System over 36 months. The prevalence rates of physical frailty, cognitive impairment, and cognitive frailty were 17.5%, 15.3%, and 9.8%, respectively. Cognitive impairment (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.06, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.41⁻3.02) and cognitive frailty (HR: 3.43, 95% CI: 2.37⁻4.97) were found to be significant risk factors for dementia. However, the association between dementia and physical frailty was not significant (HR: 1.13, 95% CI: 0.76⁻1.69). Individuals with comorbid physical frailty and cognitive impairment could have a higher risk of dementia than healthy older adults or older adults with either physical frailty or cognitive impairment alone.

DOI： 10.3390/jcm7090250

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Language：English  

IMPORTANCE: Although participation in physical and cognitive activities is encouraged to reduce the risk of dementia, the preventive efficacy of these activities for patients with mild cognitive impairment is unestablished. OBJECTIVE: To compare the cognitive and mobility effects of a 40-week program of combined cognitive and physical activity with those of a health education program. DESIGN: A randomized, parallel, single-blind controlled trial. SETTING: A population-based study of participants recruited from Obu, a residential suburb of Nagoya, Japan. PARTICIPANTS: Between August 2011 and February 2012, we evaluated 945 adults 65 years or older with mild cognitive impairment, enrolled 308, and randomly assigned them to the combined activity group (n = 154) or the health education control group (n = 154). INTERVENTIONS: The combined activity program involved weekly 90-minute sessions for 40 weeks focused on physical and cognitive activities. The control group attended 90-minute health promotion classes thrice during the 40-week trial period. MEASUREMENT: The outcome measures were assessed at the study's beginning and end by personnel blinded to mild cognitive impairment subtype and group. The primary endpoints were postintervention changes in scores on (1) the Mini-Mental State Examination as a measure of general cognitive status and memory, (2) the Wechsler Memory Scale-Revised-Logical Memory II, and (3) the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test. We applied mobility assessments and assessed brain atrophy with magnetic resonance imaging. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the combined activity group showed significantly greater scores on the Mini-Mental State Examination (difference = 0.8 points, P = .012) and Wechsler Memory Scale-Revised-Logical Memory II (difference = 1.0, P = .004), significant improvements in mobility and the nonmemory domains and reduced left medial temporal lobe atrophy in amnestic mild cognitive impairment (Z-score difference = -31.3, P < .05). CONCLUSION: Combined physical and cognitive activity improves or maintains cognitive and physical performance in older adults with mild cognitive impairment, especially the amnestic type.

DOI： 10.1016/j.jamda.2017.09.019

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OBJECTIVES: Whether sarcopenia predicts incident homebound status remains unclear. This prospective cohort study aimed to determine the impact of sarcopenia on the incidence of homebound status in community-dwelling older adults. METHODS: The study included 3958 community-dwelling elderly people aged ≥65 years who were not homebound at baseline. Sarcopenia was defined as the presence of both poor muscle function (low physical performance or low muscle strength) and low muscle mass. Potential confounding factors, such as physical status, mental status, and level of social participation, were also assessed. Fifteen months after the baseline measurements, data regarding the incidence of homebound status were obtained using a postal survey. RESULTS: In the 15-month follow-up survey, 83 participants (2.1%, 95% confidence interval = 1.6-2.5) were reported to have become homebound. A multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that age (odds ratio = 1.06, 95% confidence interval = 1.02-1.10), sarcopenia (1.98, 1.04-3.77), and limited contact with friends (1.82, 1.03-3.23) were independently associated with an increased risk of becoming homebound. In a stratified analysis for age group, a significant odds ratio for low level of social role (2.50, 1.06-5.91) was observed in young-old subjects (aged 65-74 years), whereas significant odds ratios for sarcopenia (2.80, 1.33-5.91) and physical inactivity (2.85, 1.28-6.37) were observed in old-old subjects (aged 75 years and over). CONCLUSION: Sarcopenia had a strong impact on the risk of becoming homebound. Particularly in old-old subjects, sarcopenia and physical inactivity may impair people's ability to engage in activities outside the home much more than either their mental status or their level of social participation.

DOI： 10.1016/j.maturitas.2018.03.007

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AIM: To examine the relationship between cognitive function and unsafe driving acts among community-dwelling older adults with cognitive impairments. METHODS: Participants (n = 160) were older residents of Obu, Japan, aged ≥65 years with cognitive impairments. They regularly drove and were assessed for the number of unsafe driving acts without adequate verification during an on-road test. We also evaluated cognitive function (attention, executive function and processing speed). Other examined variables included demographics, driving characteristics and visual condition. RESULTS: Participants were classified into two groups according to the number of unsafe driving acts as follows: high group (≥4 unsafe driving acts) and low group (≤3 unsafe driving acts). The high group participants were older in age (P < 0.001) and obtained a lower score on the symbol digit substitution task (P = 0.002) than the low group. The number of unsafe driving acts showed modest significant positive correlations with age (r = 0.396, P < 0.001). The symbol digit substitution task score was significantly associated with the number of unsafe driving acts (β = -0.196, P < 0.05) after adjusting for age group. CONCLUSIONS: Processing speed was associated with unsafe driving acts that became worse with increasing age. Future study will be required to longitudinally examine the influence of processing speed on traffic accidents for those with cognitive impairments. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; 18: 847-852.

DOI： 10.1111/ggi.13260

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OBJECTIVES: To examine the association between each type of frailty status and the incidence rate of depressive symptoms among community-dwelling older adults. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: General communities in Japan. PARTICIPANTS: Participants comprised 3538 older Japanese adults. MEASUREMENTS: We assessed our participants in terms of frailty status (physical frailty, cognitive impairment, and social frailty), depressive symptoms (geriatric depression scale ≥6), and other covariates, and excluded those who showed evidence of depression. Then, after a 4-year interval, we again assessed the participants for depressive symptoms. Physical frailty was defined by the Fried criteria, showing 1 or more of these were physical frailty. To screen for cognitive impairment, receiving a score below an age-education adjusted reference threshold in 1 or more tests was cognitive impairment. Finally, social frailty was defined using 5 questions, and those who answered positively to 1 or more of these were considered to have social frailty. RESULTS: After multiple imputations, the incidence rate of depressive symptoms after 4 years of follow-up was 7.2%. The incidence rates of depressive symptoms for each frailty status were as follows: 9.6% for physical frailty vs 4.6% without, 9.3% for cognitive impairment vs 6.5% without, and 12.0% for social frailty vs 5.1% without. Finally, through the application of multivariable logistic regression analysis, the incidence of depressive symptoms was found to have a significant association with social frailty (odds ratio 1.55; 95% confidence interval 1.10-2.20) but not with physical frailty or cognitive impairment. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed that social frailty, in comparison with physical frailty and cognitive impairment, is more strongly associated with incidences of depressive symptoms among elderly.

DOI： 10.1016/j.jamda.2018.02.008

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Language：Japanese   Publisher：(NPO)日本高血圧学会  

Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本老年医学会  

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Language：English  

OBJECTIVE: Fear of falling (FOF) is a major health problem for older adults, present not just in fallers, but also nonfallers. This study examined the impact of FOF and fall history on disability incidence among community-dwelling older adults from a prospective cohort study. METHODS: A total of 5104 older adults living in community settings participated in baseline assessment and were followed up for about 4 years (median 52 mo, range 49-55 mo). At baseline, participants were assessed the presence of FOF and their fall history, and divided into 4 groups: Fall (-) FOF (-), Fall (+) FOF (-), Fall (-) FOF (+), and Fall (+) FOF (+). Disability incidence was defined as national long-term care insurance certification for personal support or care. RESULTS: During the follow-up period, 429 participants (9.9%) were newly certified as having a disability and needing personal support for long-term care insurance. Fall (-) FOF (+) group and Fall (+) FOF (+) group showed a significantly higher risk of disability incidence than Fall (-) FOF (-) group even after adjusting for covariates (Fall (-) FOF (+): hazard ratio 1.28, 95% confidence interval, 1.01-1.62, Fall (+) FOF (+): hazard ratio 1.44, 95% confidence interval, 1.05-1.98). CONCLUSIONS: Fear of falling could be a simple and useful predictor of disability incidence in community-dwelling older adults. Identifying and decreasing fall risk factors may prevent fall-related injuries, but excessive FOF may be associated with increased risk of disability incidence.

DOI： 10.1002/gps.4837

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：(公財)明治安田厚生事業団  

Authorship：Lead author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Authorship：Lead author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

DOI： doi:10.3390/ijerph15030490

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Social frailty domains may play an important role in preventing physical decline and disability. The aim of this study is to examine the impact of social frailty as a risk factor for the future development of physical frailty among community-dwelling older adults who are not yet physically frail. A total of 1226 physically non-frail older adults were analyzed to provide a baseline. Participants completed a longitudinal assessment of their physical frailty 48 months later. Their baseline social frailty was determined based on their responses to five questions, which identified participants who went out less frequently, rarely visited friends, felt less like helping friends or family, lived alone and did not talk to another person every day. Participants with none of these characteristics were considered not to be socially frail; those with one characteristic were considered socially pre-frail; and those with two or more characteristics were considered socially frail. At the four-year follow-up assessment, 24 participants (2.0%) had developed physical frailty and 440 (35.9%) had developed physical pre-frailty. The rates of developing physical frailty and pre-frailty were 1.6% and 34.2%, respectively, in the socially non-frail group; 2.4% and 38.8%, respectively, in the socially pre-frail group; and 6.8% and 54.5%, respectively, in the socially frail group. Participants classified as socially frail at the baseline had an increased risk of developing physical frailty, compared with participants who were not socially frail (OR = 3.93, 95% CI = 1.02-15.15). Participants who were socially frail at the baseline also had an increased risk of developing physical pre-frailty (OR = 2.50, 95% CI = 1.30-4.80). Among independent community-dwelling older adults who are not physically frail, those who are socially frail may be at greater risk of developing physical frailty in the near future. Social frailty may precede (and lead to the development of) physical frailty.

DOI： 10.3390/ijerph15030490

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Language：English  

BACKGROUND: It remains unclear what kinds of behavior prevent the development of geriatric depression. This study aimed to elucidate behavioral predictors of increased depressive symptoms in older adults focusing on gender differences. METHODS: A total of 3106 community-dwelling older people aged older than or equal to 65 years without depressive symptoms at baseline participated. The 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale was used to assess depressive symptoms with a score of 6 or more at baseline and 15 month follow-up. Behavioral status was investigated by using dichotomous questions about the aspects of physical, cognitive, and social activities. Each category included 3 specific items. Demographic data and other potential confounding factors were also assessed. RESULTS: In the 15 month follow-up survey, 239 participants (7.7%) reported increased depressive symptoms. Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that engagement in light physical exercise (odds ratio = 0.74, 95%, CI = 0.56-0.98), taking enrichment lessons (0.62, 0.46-0.85), using a personal computer (0.68, 0.48-0.97), participation in events at the community center (0.54, 0.40-0.72), and attending a community meeting (0.69, 0.52-0.92) were independently associated with lower risk of increased depressive symptoms. In a separate analysis for each gender, significant odds ratios of using a personal computer were observed in men, whereas significant odds ratios of light physical exercise, participation in events at the community center, and attending a community meeting were observed in women. CONCLUSIONS: Light physical exercise, taking lessons, usage of a computer, and participation in community events showed protective effects against depressive symptoms. However, the significance of each behavioral factor may vary according to gender.

DOI： 10.1002/gps.4776

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

AIM: To evaluate the relationship between kidney function without diabetes and components of the frailty phenotype in community-dwelling Japanese older adults. METHODS: Participants were 8343 residents who completed baseline assessments, classified into four categories according to eGFR. Frailty status was defined using five criteria: (i) slow gait speed; (ii) muscle weakness; (iii) low physical activity; (iv) exhaustion; and (v) unintentional weight loss. RESULTS: After multivariate adjustment, participants with the lowest kidney function were at higher risk of frailty (OR 1.57, 95% CI 1.02-3.50) than those with normal kidney function. In addition, after adjustment for multiple confounders, estimated glomerular filtration rate <30 was associated with a greater risk of the individual frailty components of weight loss (OR 2.14, 95% CI 1.11-4.12), low physical activity (OR 1.35, 95% CI, 1.01-2.54) and slowness (OR 1.82, 95% CI 1.36-3.77) compared with estimated glomerular filtration rate ≥60. CONCLUSIONS: Lower kidney function was associated with a higher risk of weight loss, low physical activity and slowness among community-dwelling Japanese older adults. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; 18: 286-292.

DOI： 10.1111/ggi.13180

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OBJECTIVE: This study examined the association between excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) and gait characteristics (e.g., speed, variability) in community-dwelling older adults. METHOD: This cross-sectional study included 3,901 individuals aged ≥65 years. Participants answered questions about EDS, sleep duration, and other sleep-related symptoms. Gait speed, stride length, and the variability in stride length were assessed by using a stopwatch and a WalkWay device. RESULTS: EDS was significantly associated with slower gait speed among younger subjects (<75 years, p = .021) and with both slower gait speed ( p = .045) and greater variability in stride length among older subjects (≥75 years, p = .048) in a multivariate analysis adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, medication, number of comorbidities, and education. DISCUSSION: EDS associates with gait ability, particularly in older old adults. Further prospective studies are needed to determine the causal association between gait ability and sleep disturbances, including EDS.

DOI： 10.1177/0898264316673253

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PubMed

Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)理学療法科学学会  

[目的]脳卒中患者の回復期リハビリテーション病棟入院時情報から3ヵ月後の歩行自立を判別するための予測チャートを作成すること。[対象と方法]初発脳卒中患者251例を対象として、入院時の身体機能と認知機能、基本動作自立度、バランス能力、日常生活自立度から入院3ヵ月後の歩行自立を予測するための決定木を、信号検出分析法にて求めた。[結果]起居動作能力、バランス能力、認知機能が有意な予測因子として抽出され、入院3ヵ月後の歩行自立を予測するための決定木が得られた。[結語]脳卒中の回復期に適応した歩行自立の予測チャートが作成された。(著者抄録)

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Springer-Verlag France  

Objectives: Frailty is a course experienced in advanced aging. Identification of a biological factor associated with frailty is required. Although serum insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) is a potential factor related with frailty, consensus has not been reached regarding this relationship. This study aimed to investigate the association between IGF-1 and frailty in older adults. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Cohort study that was part of the “National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology–Study of Geriatric Syndromes.” Participants: The study participants were 4133 older adults (mean age, 71.8 ± 5.4 years). Measurements: We assessed serum IGF-1 levels and frailty status and collected demographic variables, including cognitive function, as covariates. Results: Frailty and pre-frailty were present in 274 subjects (7%) and 1930 subjects (47%), respectively. Subjects were divided into four groups based on quartiles of IGF-1 levels. Multinomial logistic analysis showed that the lowest group had significant odds of pre-frailty (crude model: odds ratio [OR] 1.58, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.30–1.90, p OpenSPiltSPi.001
adjusted model: OR 1.38, 95% CI 1.13–1.68, p =.002) and frailty (crude model: OR 3.42, 95% CI 2.38-4.92, p OpenSPiltSPi.001
adjusted model: OR 1.54, 95% CI 1.02–2.32, p =.039), compared with the highest group. Conclusion: Lower serum IGF-1 levels were independently related with frailty in older adults.

DOI： 10.1007/s12603-017-0916-1

Scopus

Language：English  

OBJECTIVES: In this paper and prospective study, we examine the number of healthy behaviors and the incidence of disability in community-dwelling older adults aged 65 years and older. METHODS: Participants (N = 4483) were residents of Obu, Japan who were asked about regular exercise, smoking status, and sleep duration. Demographic variables, history of disease, physi- cal function, and cognitive function were measured as confounders. Information about disabil- ity was obtained from the Obu City Office. RESULTS: At 24 months after baseline assessment, 165 participants (3.7%) were certified as having disability. Participants with 2 healthy behaviors had a 1.61-fold increased risk of disability (95% CI: 1.08 -2.42) compared with those with 3 healthy behaviors; those with one or no healthy behaviors had a 2.01-fold risk (95% CI: 1.26-3.19) even though adjusting for confounders. CONCLUSIONS: The number of healthy behaviors was associated with the incidence of disability, with the hazard ratios increasing progressively as the number of healthy behaviors decreased.

DOI： 10.5993/AJHB.42.1.5

Scopus

PubMed

Authorship：Lead author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

DOI： doi: 10.1159/000486547

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

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Language：Japanese   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：The Society of Physical Therapy Science  

[Purpose] This study developed a chart for predicting stroke patients' independence of gait during the convalescent period. [Subjects and Methods] Two hundred fifty-one first-time stroke patients were enrolled in this study. Physical and cognitive functions, basic movement ability, balance ability and activities of daily living were evaluated on admission to a rehabilitation ward for the convalescent stage. Based on this information, a decision tree for predicting independence of gait three months later was developed using signal detection analysis. [Results] Independence in rising motion, balance ability, and cognitive function were extracted as significant predictors. A valid and reliable decision tree was developed. [Conclusion] A chart for predicting independence of gait was developed. This chart is appropriate for the convalescent period after stroke.

DOI： 10.1589/rika.33.145

Scopus

Language：English  

Language：English  

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Language：English  

AIM: The present prospective study was carried out to determine whether participation in community-based intervention studies exerted a positive impact on disability prevention in older adults with physical frailty. METHODS: A total of 514 community-dwelling older adults (aged ≥65 years) with physical frailty who had undergone baseline assessment and participated in community-based intervention studies (participants) or did not (non-participants) were included in the present study. Non-participants were selected through propensity score matching, to balance potential covariates at baseline. Disability incidence was followed up at 48 months as a main outcome. Demographic data (age, sex and medical history), global cognitive function, grip strength, walking speed, and blood test results including serum albumin and brain-derived neurotrophic factor at baseline were included as covariates. RESULTS: Disability incidence rates differed significantly between participants (11.3%) and non-participants (19.8%) of community-based intervention studies during the 48-month follow-up period (P = 0.007). Participation in community-based intervention studies (hazard ratio 0.55, 95% confidence interval 0.35-0.88) was significantly associated with the incidence of disability in older adults with physical frailty. CONCLUSIONS: Participation in community-based intervention studies could reduce the incidence of disability in older adults with physical frailty. Thus, strategies designed to increase the number of participants in community-based intervention programs should be considered in community-based approaches for the prevention of disability in older adults with physical frailty. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 2347-2353.

DOI： 10.1111/ggi.13072

Scopus

PubMed

Language：English  

AIM: Numerous neuropsychological tests are implemented in the clinical setting. However, a readily available cognitive test is required to detect the risk of dementia in the community setting. METHODS: A total of 4151 persons aged ≥65 years participated in the present prospective cohort study. We assessed cognitive performance using the Mini-Mental State Examination and the National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology-Functional Assessment Tool. The National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology-Functional Assessment Tool includes tests of story and word list memory, attention and executive function, processing speed, and visuospatial skill to screen for cognitive impairment. All measurements were transformed to Z-scores to compare among the cognitive tests. The incidence of dementia was determined using data collected by the Japanese Health Insurance System over 36 months. RESULTS: After an average of 43 months, 180 (4.3%) participants were diagnosed with dementia. Survival analyses showed that the probability of dementia was significantly associated with all cognitive tests, except for visuospatial skill. The processing speed test showed the highest hazard ratios for the incidence of dementia (Z-score: hazard ratio 0.61, 95% confidence interval 0.50-0.75, P < 0.01). In subgroup analysis, there were no significant relationships between cognitive tests and the incidence of dementia in participants without global cognitive impairment. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that the National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology-Functional Assessment Tool, as well as the Mini-Mental State Examination, play an important role in detecting the risk of dementia in the community setting. Further analysis is required to identify the risk of dementia in older people without global cognitive impairment. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 2383-2388.

DOI： 10.1111/ggi.13079

Scopus

PubMed

Language：English  

AIM: Fear of falling (FOF) is associated with spatial and temporal gait parameters in older adults. FOF is prevalent among older adults, both those with and without fall history. It is still unclear whether the relationships between FOF and gait parameters are affected by fall history. The aim of the present study was to compare gait parameters by the presence of FOF and fall history. METHODS: A total of 3575 older adults (mean age 71.7 years, 49.7% female) met the inclusion criteria for the present study. We assessed the presence of fall history and FOF by face-to-face interview, and gait parameters (gait speed, stride length, step rate, double support time and variation of stride length) at a comfortable speed using a computerized electronic walkway. RESULTS: Prevalences of fall history and FOF were as follows: non-fallers without FOF 52.6% (n = 1881); fallers without FOF 6.3% (n = 227); non-fallers with FOF 34.4% (n = 1229); and fallers with FOF 6.7% (n = 238). Analysis of covariance showed significant differences among the four groups in all gait variables even after adjusting for age, sex and number of medications used. It should be noted that non-fallers with FOF showed significantly slower gait speed, shorter stride length and longer double support time than did non-fallers without FOF (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The present results suggest that spatial and temporal gait parameters are influenced by FOF, even in the absence of fall history. The assessment of FOF might be helpful for better understanding of age-related changes in gait control. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 2455-2459.

DOI： 10.1111/ggi.13102

Scopus

PubMed

Language：Japanese   Publisher：(NPO)愛知県理学療法学会  

【目的】回復期脳卒中患者に対する認知関連行動アセスメント(以下、CBA)の評価者間信頼性を検討した。【方法】理学療法士6名と日常業務でCBAを用いた評価を実施しており十分な臨床経験を有する言語聴覚士を評価者とし、脳卒中患者21名のCBAにおける6領域の重症度を5段階で評価させた。評価者間信頼性の検討は、理学療法士6名の評価結果と理学療法士を臨床経験年数で分けた2群の評価結果を言語聴覚士の評価結果を外的基準に比較して、領域別得点は重み付きκ係数、合計点は級内相関係数(2,1)を算出した。さらに、合計点はBland-Altman分析により系統誤差を確認した後、標準誤差を算出した。【結果】評価者間信頼性は重み付きκ係数が0.62〜0.92、級内相関係数(2,1)が0.86〜0.91と高かった。系統誤差の存在はなく、標準誤差は2〜3点であった。【結論】CBAの評価者間信頼性は高く、今後は多様な職種や環境での連携においても臨床応用が期待できると考えた。(著者抄録)

Language：English  

AIM: The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between various body composition parameters and the risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in older Japanese adults, as well as potential sex-related differences in the risk of MCI. METHODS: Participants underwent cognitive tests, and were divided into 840 participants with MCI (mean age 71.9 ± 5.5 years) and 1740 without MCI (mean age 71.3 ± 5.2 years). Body composition parameters were measured using a bioelectrical impedance analyzer. Multiple logistic regression analysis was then carried out to examine the associations between body composition parameters and risk of MCI. RESULTS: After adjusting for confounding factors, those in the lowest quartile for fat-free mass had a higher risk of MCI than those in the highest quartile (men: odds ratio [OR] 1.96, 95% confidence interval CI 1.24-3.10; women: OR 1.49, 95% CI 1.01-2.19). Loss of muscle mass in the upper (OR 2.17, 95% CI 1.40-3.37) and lower (OR 1.99, 95% CI 1.25-3.15) limbs was associated with a higher MCI risk in men. However, only loss of muscle mass in the lower limbs was associated with a higher MCI risk (OR 1.61, 95% CI 1.06-2.44) in women. No associations were found between obesity measures and MCI. CONCLUSIONS: We found that loss of fat-free mass was associated with MCI in older adults, regardless of sex. We also found that appendicular muscle mass was more closely associated with MCI in men than in women. These results suggest that the association between appendicular muscle mass and MCI might have different underlying mechanisms based on sex. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 2053-2059.

DOI： 10.1111/ggi.13018

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PubMed

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Language：English  

OBJECTIVES: Approximately 25% of individuals who are diagnosed with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) revert to normal cognition (NC) rather than progressing to Alzheimer disease (AD). However, the prevalence of progression and reversion among older people in Asia remains unclear. DESIGN: A prospective cohort study. SETTING: A community in Japan. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 4153 individuals without dementia aged ≥65 years were classified as having NC, aMCI single domain (aMCIs), non-aMCI single domain (naMCIs), aMCI multiple domain (aMCIm), non-aMCI multiple domain (naMCIm), or global cognitive impairment (GCI). MEASUREMENTS: The National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology-Functional Assessment Tool and the Mini-Mental State Examination were used to conduct cognitive screening. The participants completed baseline (August 2011 to June 2012) and follow-up (August 2015 to June 2016) assessments. We followed up monthly for newly incident AD, as recorded by the Japanese National Health Insurance and Later-Stage Medical Care systems. Multiple imputation was used to adjust for selection bias and loss of information. RESULTS: At 4-year follow-up, the reversion rates to NC in aMCIs, naMCIs, aMCIm, naMCIm, and GCI were 38.7%, 57.0%, 25.7%, 20.9%, and 43.7%, respectively. Of the participants with NC, aMCIs, naMCIs, aMCIm, naMCIm, and GCI at baseline, 4.7%, 4.5%, 13.1%, 20.6%, 21.6%, and 14.3%, respectively, were subsequently diagnosed with AD. We found significant associations between incident AD and naMCIs [hazard ratio (HR) compared to NC: 2.18, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.45-3.26], and between AD and aMCIm (HR: 4.39, 95% CI: 2.06-9.39) and between AD and naMCIm (HR: 3.60, 95% CI: 2.13-6.08). However, the association between incident AD and aMCIs and between AD and GCI did not reach significance. CONCLUSION: Reversion to NC from MCI and GCI was frequent, and individuals with aMCIs and GCI did not show higher risk of incident AD than those with NC. Older adults with multiple cognitive impairments may be potential targets for preventing dementia.

DOI： 10.1016/j.jamda.2017.05.017

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PubMed

Authorship：Lead author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Language：English  

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to describe the age-dependent changes in the parameters of physical performance and body composition in Japanese older adults who are independently dwelling in the community. We also examined whether the age-dependent changes differ among physical performance and body composition parameters. METHODS: Cross-sectional data from 10 092 community-dwelling older adults (mean age 73.6 years; 5296 women) were analyzed. The measures of physical performance included hand-grip strength, the five-times-sit-to-stand test, and walking speed. Body composition parameters (body weight, fat mass, and appendicular skeletal muscle mass) were measured with a bioelectrical impedance analyser. Correlations between age and the physical performance and body composition parameters were tested. The T-scores of physical performance and body composition measurements were calculated and presented according to 5-year age groups to examine the differences in age-dependent changes in physical performance and body composition parameters. RESULTS: All physical performance measures significantly decreased with aging. The cumulative mean T-scores according to age group showed different age-dependent changes between body mass index (BMI) and appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI) (cumulative mean T-score change of BMI and ASMI of -5.7 to -2.9 and -12.7 to -12.1, respectively). The slope declines in age-associated changes were greater in grip strength (β = -0.77, 95% confidence interval = -0.82 to -0.76) for men and in walking speed (β = -0.95, 95% confidence interval = -0.99 to -0.90) for women. CONCLUSIONS: The patterns of age-dependent decreases in physical performance measures differed among parameters and between sexes. There is a possibility of a difference in the age-related slope patterns among parameters; decreases in grip strength in men and walking speed in women may be more prominent with advancing age. Furthermore, the decrease in ASMI with age is more striking than that of BMI.

DOI： 10.1002/jcsm.12197

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PubMed

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Language：English  

OBJECTIVES: Our objective was to investigate the association between social frailty and cognitive and physical function among older adults. DESIGN: This was a cross-sectional study. SETTING: We examined community-dwelling adults in Japan. PARTICIPANTS: Participants comprised 4425 older Japanese people from the National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology-Study of Geriatric Syndromes. MEASUREMENTS: Social frailty was defined by using responses to 5 questions (going out less frequently, rarely visiting friends, feeling unhelpful to friends or family, living alone, and not talking with someone every day). Participants showing none of these components were considered nonfrail; those showing 1 component were considered prefrail; and those showing 2 or more components were considered frail. To screen for cognitive deficits, we assessed memory, attention, executive function, and processing speed. Having 2 or more tests with age-adjusted scores of at least 1.5 standard deviations below the reference threshold was sufficient to be characterized as cognitively deficient. To screen for physical function deficits, we assessed walking speed (<1.0 m/s cut-off) and grip strength (<26 kg for men; <18 kg for women cut-off). Scoring below the cut-off point on 1 or more tests was sufficient to be characterized as physically deficient. RESULTS: The prevalence of social frailty was the following: nonfrailty, 64.1% (N = 2835); social prefrailty, 24.8% (N = 1097); social frailty, 11.1% (N = 493; P for trend < .001). All cognitive function tests (word list memory, Trail Making Test parts A and B, and the symbol digit-substitution task) significantly varied between social frailty groups; physical function (gait speed and grip strength) also varied between social frailty groups (all Ps for trend <.001). Referred to social nonfrailty, social frailty was independently associated with each cognitive deficit (odds ratio = 1.61, 95% confidence interval 1.13-2.30) and deficits in physical function (odds ratio = 1.99, 95% confidence interval 1.57-2.52) after adjusting for covariates. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed that social frailty is associated with both cognitive and physical function among Japanese older adults. And social frailty status was also negatively associated with physical function. Further studies are needed to elucidate if a casual association exists between social frailty and cognitive and physical function.

DOI： 10.1016/j.jamda.2017.02.004

Scopus

PubMed

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：BIOMED CENTRAL LTD  

Background: Physical activity may preserve neuronal plasticity, increase synapse formation, and cause the release of hormonal factors that promote neurogenesis and neuronal function. Previous studies have reported enhanced neurocognitive function following exercise training. However, the specific cortical regions activated during exercise training remain largely undefined. In this study, we quantitatively and objectively evaluated the effects of exercise on brain activity during walking in healthy older adults.
Methods: A total of 24 elderly women (75-83 years old) were randomly allocated to either an intervention group or a control group. Those in the intervention group attended 3 months of biweekly 90-min sessions focused on aerobic exercise, strength training, and physical therapy. We monitored changes in regional cerebral glucose metabolism during walking in both groups using positron emission tomography (PET) and [F-18] fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG).
Results: All subjects completed the 3-month experiment and the adherence to the exercise program was 100%. Compared with the control group, the intervention group showed a significantly greater step length in the right foot after 3 months of physical activity. The FDG-PET assessment revealed a significant post-intervention increase in regional glucose metabolism in the left posterior entorhinal cortex, left superior temporal gyrus, and right superior temporopolar area in the intervention group. Interestingly, the control group showed a relative increase in regional glucose metabolism in the left premotor and supplemental motor areas, left and right somatosensory association cortex, and right primary visual cortex after the 3-month period. We found no significant differences in FDG uptake between the intervention and control groups before vs. after the intervention.
Conclusion: Exercise training increased activity in specific brain regions, such as the precuneus and entorhinal cortices, which play an important role in episodic and spatial memory. Further investigation is required to confirm whether alterations in glucose metabolism within these regions during walking directly promote physical and cognitive performance.

DOI： 10.1186/s12984-017-0263-9

Web of Science

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PubMed

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that a long-term, structured cognitive leisure activity program is more effective than a health education program at reducing the risk of further cognitive decline in older adults with mild cognitive impairment syndrome (MCI), a high risk for dementia. DESIGN: A 3-arm, single-blind randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Community. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 201 Japanese adults with MCI (mean age: 76.0 years, 52% women). INTERVENTIONS: Participants were randomized into 1 of 2 cognitive leisure activity programs (60 minutes weekly for 40 weeks): dance (n = 67) and playing musical instruments (n = 67), or a health education control group (n = 67). MEASUREMENTS: Primary outcomes were memory function changes at 40 weeks. Secondary outcomes included changes in Mini-Mental State Examination and nonmemory domain (Trail Making Tests A and B) scores. RESULTS: At 40 weeks, the dance group showed improved memory recall scores compared with controls [mean change (SD): dance group 0.73 (1.9) vs controls 0.01 (1.9); P = .011], whereas the music group did not show an improvement compared with controls (P = .123). Both dance [mean change (SD): 0.29 (2.6); P = .026] and music groups [mean change (SD): 0.46 (2.1); P = .008] showed improved Mini-Mental State Examination scores compared with controls [mean change (SD): -0.36 (2.3)]. No difference in the nonmemory cognitive tests was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term cognitive leisure activity programs involving dance or playing musical instruments resulted in improvements in memory and general cognitive function compared with a health education program in older adults with MCI. TRIAL REGISTRATION: UMIN-CTR UMIN000014261.

DOI： 10.1016/j.jamda.2017.02.013

Scopus

PubMed

Language：Japanese   Publisher：(公社)日本理学療法士協会  

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：OXFORD UNIV PRESS INC  

Background. Lower extremity functioning is important for maintaining activity in elderly people. Optimal cutoff points for standard measurements of lower extremity functioning would help identify elderly people who are not disabled but have a high risk of developing disability.
Objective. The purposes of this study were: (1) to determine the optimal cutoff points of the Five-Times Sit-to-Stand Test and the Timed "Up & Go" Test for predicting the development of disability and (2) to examine the impact of poor performance on both tests on the prediction of the risk of disability in elderly people dwelling in the community.
Design. This was a prospective cohort study.
Methods. A population of 4,335 elderly people dwelling in the community (mean age=71.7 years; 51.6% women) participated in baseline assessments. Participants were monitored for 2 years for the development of disability.
Results. During the 2-year follow-up period, 161 participants (3.7%) developed disability. The optimal cutoff points of the Five-Times Sit-to-Stand Test and the Timed "Up & Go" Test for predicting the development of disability were greater than or equal to 10 seconds and greater than or equal to 9 seconds, respectively. Participants with poor performance on the Five-Times Sit-to-Stand Test (hazard ratio= 1.88; 95% CI= 1.11-3.20), the Timed " Up & Go" Test (hazard ratio= 2.24; 95% CI= 1.42-3.53), or both tests (hazard ratio= 2.78; 95% CI= 1.78-4.33) at the baseline assessment had a significantly higher risk of developing disability than participants who had better lower extremity functioning.
Limitations. All participants had good initial functioning and participated in assessments on their own. Causes of disability were not assessed.
Conclusions. Assessments of lower extremity functioning with the Five-Times Sit-toStand Test and the Timed "Up & Go" Test, especially poor performance on both tests, were good predictors of future disability in elderly people dwelling in the community.

DOI： 10.2522/ptj.20150665

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PubMed

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

OBJECTIVES: The present study examined the association between anorexia of aging and physical frailty among older people. STUDY DESIGN: An observational, cross-sectional cohort design was used with a sample of 4417 elderly Japanese citizens living in a community setting. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Frailty was operationalized as the following frailty components: slowness, weakness, exhaustion, low level of physical activity, and weight loss. Participants were grouped as non-frail, pre-frail, and frail, and categorized as anorexic or not using questionnaire cutoff scores. Measured covariates were as follows: sociodemographic variables, medical history, life style, body mass index, blood nutrition data, self-rated health, depressive symptoms, and cognitive function. RESULTS: The prevalence of anorexia of aging in each group was as follows: non-frail, 7.9%; pre-frail, 14.8%; frail, 21.2% (P for trend<0.001). After adjusting for all covariates, independent associations were identified between anorexia of aging and slowness (OR 1.42, 95% CI: 1.14-1.75, P=0.002), exhaustion (OR 1.39, 95% CI: 1.11-1.74, P=0.004) and weight loss (OR 1.37, 95% CI: 1.05-1.79, P=0.019), but not weakness or low level of physical activity. CONCLUSIONS: Anorexia of aging is importantly associated with frailty and the following frailty components: slowness, exhaustion, and weight loss. Future research should prospectively examine frailty's causal connection with anorexia of aging.

DOI： 10.1016/j.maturitas.2016.12.005

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PubMed

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

AIM: The purpose of the present study was to examine whether the combination of subjective sleep quality and physical activity is associated with cognitive performance among community-dwelling older adults. METHODS: Cross-sectional data on 5381 older adults who participated in part of the National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology - Study of Geriatric Syndromes were analyzed. We assessed general cognitive impairment using the Mini-Mental State Examination, and also assessed story memory, attention, executive function and processing speed using the National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology Functional Assessment Tool. Physical activity was assessed using two questionnaires, and participants were categorized as active or inactive. Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and participants were categorized as having poor (PS) or good sleep quality (GS). RESULTS: Participants in the inactive + PS group had worse performances than those in the active + GS group in all cognitive measures (Mini-Mental State Examination: P = 0.008, story memory: P = 0.007, other cognitive measures: P < 0.001), and also had worse performances than those in the inactive + GS and active + PS groups in the trail-making test, part B, and the symbol digit substitution test (P < 0.001, respectively). Additionally, participants in the inactive + GS group had worse performances than in the active + GS in the trail-making test, part B, and the symbol digit substitution test (P = 0.002 and P = 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Inactivity and poor sleep quality were associated with poor cognitive performance among community-dwelling older adults. The combination of poor sleep quality and physical inactivity also worsened cognitive performance. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 1823-1828.

DOI： 10.1111/ggi.12973

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PubMed

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate whether sitting time, as a form of sedentary behaviour, is related to incident depressive symptoms in older people. METHODS: This study included 3503 participants (mean age 71.7 years, 50.1% female) from the 'Obu Study of Health Promotion for the Elderly' cohort study. At baseline and then 15 months later, the participants reported their status of depressive symptoms using the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale. During the baseline assessment, the participants were also asked about their sedentary behaviour on weekdays over the past 7 days and, from there, categorized into three groups (<240, 240-480, ≥480 min/day). Demographic data and the other health behaviours were also assessed at the baseline. RESULTS: Cross-sectional analysis revealed that 437 participants (12.0%) had depressive symptoms. In a prospective analysis, the logistic regression model revealed that the odds ratio for depressive symptom incidence was higher in participants who, at baseline, spent 480 min or more per day sitting (1.636; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.015 to 2.636, p = 0.043), and in those who spent 240-480 min (1.605; 95% CI 1.085 to 2.375, p = 0.018) in comparison with those who spent less than 240 min. CONCLUSIONS: Sedentary behaviour significantly affects the risk of incident depressive symptoms. Further research is needed to develop an intervention strategy to manage depressive symptoms, as the second most common cause of burden of disease among older adults. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

DOI： 10.1002/gps.4461

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PubMed

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：ELSEVIER SCIENCE INC  

Objective: Although subjective memory complaints (SMCs) are considered a risk factor for incident dementia in older people, the effect might differ based on cognitive function. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether the effect of SMCs on the incidence of dementia in older people differed based on cognitive function. Design: A 24-month follow-up cohort study. Setting: Japanese community. Participants: Prospective, longitudinal data for incident dementia were collected for 3,672 participants (mean age: 71.7 years; 46.5% men) for up to 24 months. Measurements: Baseline measurements included covariates for incident dementia, SMCs, and cognitive function. Associations between SMCs, cognitive impairment, and incident dementia were examined using Cox proportional hazards models. Results: Incidences of dementia in the cognitively intact without SMC, cognitively intact with SMC, cognitive impairment without SMC, and cognitive impairment with SMC groups were 0.3%, 1.8%, 3.4%, and 4.8%, respectively. In the cognitively intact participants, SMCs were associated with a significantly higher risk of dementia (hazard ratio [HR]: 4.95, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.52-16.11, p = 0.008). Incident dementia with cognitive impairment was not significantly different based on SMC presence (p = 0.527). Participants with cognitive impairment in multiple domains had a significantly higher risk of incident dementia (HR: 2.07, 95% CI: 1.01-4.24, p = 0.046) Conclusion: SMCs were related with dementia in cognitively intact older people, but not in those with cognitive impairment. Multiple domains of cognitive impairment were associated with a higher risk of incident dementia.

DOI： 10.1016/j.jagp.2016.12.008

Web of Science

Scopus

PubMed

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Language：Japanese   Publisher：公益社団法人 日本理学療法士協会  

<p>【はじめに，目的】高齢期における歩行速度の低下は重要な転倒リスクのひとつである。歩行速度は歩幅と歩行率（ケイデンス）から決定され，この両因子から求める歩行比（歩幅/ケイデンス）は歩行速度を維持するための戦略を表す個人の歩行パターンと捉えられる。しかし，歩行比と転倒の関連性については十分に検討されていない。本研究の目的は，地域在住高齢者を対象に歩行比と転倒の関連性を横断的に検討することである。</p><p></p><p></p><p>【方法】National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology-Study of Geriatric Syndromesに参加した65歳以上の地域在住高齢者10,885名のうち，アルツハイマー病，パーキンソン病，脳卒中の現病および既往のある者，MMSEが18点未満の者，欠損値がある者を除外した9,205名（女性4,987名，平均年齢73.7±5.6歳）を解析対象とした。ANIMA社製ウォークWay MV-1000を用いて通常歩行速度にて歩行評価を実施し，歩行速度，歩幅，ケイデンスを評価指標とした。歩行比は歩幅をケイデンスで除して算出し（m/（step/min）），3分位の値を基に対象者を3群（T1，T2：参照，T3）に群分けした。なお，各歩行指標は，関谷ら（1996年）の報告に準じて身長を用いて補正した。転倒経験は，過去1年間の転倒経験の有無を聴取した。共変量として，基本属性，病歴，服薬数，転倒恐怖感の有無，平均歩行時間（分/日）を聴取し，Body Mass Index，うつ症状（Geriatric Depression Scale），MMSEを評価した。統計解析は，転倒の有無を従属変数，歩行速度低下（1.0m/秒未満）の有無および歩行比を独立変数とした多重ロジスティック回帰分析を実施した。さらに，歩行速度の低下の有無による関係性の違いを検討するために歩行速度1.0m/秒以上および未満で層分けして同様の分析を実施した。有意水準は5%未満とした。</p><p></p><p></p><p>【結果】全対象者における過去1年間の転倒経験率は17.6％であった。転倒経験に対して，歩行速度低下の有無と歩行比を同時投入した結果，歩行速度低下および歩行比の値が小さいT1群において有意な関係性を示した（歩行速度　OR：1.40，95%CI：1.21-1.62，歩行比　OR：1.18，95%CI：1.03-1.35）。さらに，1.0m/秒未満の群（1,496名）での解析では歩行比は転倒と有意な関連性を認めなかったが，1.0m/秒以上の群（7,709名）ではT1群において転倒と有意な関連性を認めた（OR：1.29，95%CI：1.11-1.50）。</p><p></p><p>【結論】本研究より，歩行速度が低下している群では歩行比と過去1年の転倒経験との間に有意な関連性はみられなかったが，歩行速度を維持できている群においては，歩行比が小さいことが転倒経験と関連していることが示唆された。歩行比が小さいことは，歩幅の減少，あるいはケイデンスの増加を反映しており，歩行速度の維持のためにケイデンスを増加させる戦略を選択していると考えられる。今後は，このような歩行戦略の違いが将来の転倒発生と関連するかについて，縦断的な検討する必要である。</p>

DOI： 10.14900/cjpt.2016.1484

Language：Japanese   Publisher：公益社団法人 日本理学療法士協会  

<p>【はじめに，目的】</p><p></p><p>歩行能力低下は軽度認知障害（mild cognitive impairment：MCI）や認知症を有する高齢者の問題点の一つとして認識されている。MCIは，認知症を発症するリスクが高い一方で，健常への改善も認められるため，認知症予防ひいては介護予防の対象として着目すべきであると考えられている。しかし，MCI高齢者において歩行速度低下を伴う場合に，認知症の発症リスクが増加するかについては未だ明らかにされていない。本研究は，縦断研究を実施し，歩行速度低下が認知症のリスクにどのような影響を与えるかをMCIに着目して検討することを目的とした。</p><p></p><p>【方法】</p><p></p><p>本研究は，National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology-Study of Geriatric Syndromesの参加者の中から，2011年度に実施した調査に参加した65歳以上の者とし，ベースラインにおいて認知症，パーキンソン病，脳卒中の病歴がある者，MMSEが24点未満の者，診療情報が得られない者を除外した3749名を対象とした。ベースラインにて測定した歩行速度，認知機能，一般特性，服薬数，Geriatric Depression Scale，身体活動習慣に加え，医療診療情報から得られる追跡期間中の認知症の発症をアウトカムとした。歩行が1.0m/s未満の場合を歩行速度低下とし，認知症ではなく日常生活が自立し全般的認知機能は保たれているが，NCGG-FATによる認知機能評価で客観的な認知機能低下を認めた者をMCIとした。</p><p></p><p>【結果】</p><p></p><p>対象者3749名（平均年齢72歳，女性53％）を，歩行速度低下とMCIのいずれにも該当しない群（control群：n＝2608），歩行速度低下のみを有する群（SG群：n=358），MCIのみを有する群（MCI群：n=628），歩行速度低下とMCIの両方を有する群（MCI+SG群：n=155）に群分けした。追跡期間中（平均追跡期間：42.7ヶ月）に認知症を発症した者は168名であった。目的変数に認知症の発症，説明変数に歩行速度とMCIによる群要因を設定し，その他の測定項目を共変量として調整した生存分析を実施した結果，control群に比べ，SG群（HR：1.12，95%CI：0.67-1.87）は認知症の発症との有意な関係は認めなかったが，MCI群（HR：2.05，95%CI：1.39-3.01）ならびにMCI+SG群（HR：3.49，95%CI：2.17-5.63）は認知症の発症と有意な関係性を有していた。</p><p></p><p>【結論】</p><p></p><p>MCI高齢者における歩行能力低下は認知症のリスクを増加させることが明らかになった。高齢者が認知機能障害を有する場合には，認知機能だけではなく歩行能力を評価し，適切なリスク評価を考慮して介入を行う必要があると考えられる。</p>

DOI： 10.14900/cjpt.2016.1520

Language：Japanese   Publisher：公益社団法人 日本理学療法士協会  

<p>【はじめに，目的】</p><p></p><p>サルコペニアは加齢に伴う筋量や筋力の低下を特徴とする症候群であり，理学療法の重要な対象となる。一方，軽度認知機能低下は認知症発症のリスクだけでなく身体機能低下のリスクにもなるため，要介護発生のリスクを増加させる要因の一つと考えられる。しかし，サルコペニアと軽度認知機能低下が併存する高齢者の要介護発生リスクは未だ明らかではなく，そのような者では要介護発生リスクがさらに高いことが予想され，予防理学療法のより重要な適応となる可能性が極めて高い。そこで，地域在住高齢者を対象とした2年間の前方視的な調査を行い，サルコペニアおよび軽度認知機能低下と要介護発生状況との関連を調査した。</p><p></p><p></p><p>【方法】</p><p></p><p>対象は，National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology-Study of Geriatric Syndromesの70歳以上の健診受診者5257名のうち，パーキンソン病，脳卒中，うつ病の既往歴がある者，要介護認定者，MMSE21点未満の者，測定項目に欠損がある者，ペースメーカー使用者，死亡または市外転居した者を除く3900名とした。</p><p></p><p>ベースライン評価は骨格筋量，握力，歩行速度，Mini-Mental State Examination（以下：MMSE），Geriatric Depression Scale（以下：GDS），薬剤投与数，教育年数，アルコール摂取，喫煙，その他基本属性を調査した。サルコペニアはAsian Working Group for Sarcopeniaのアルゴリズムにより判定を行い，認知機能低下はMMSEが26点以下の者とした。ベースライン以降の24か月間における新規要支援・要介護発生の有無を調べた。統計解析は，ベースライン評価によって健常群，サルコペニア群，軽度認知機能低下群，サルコペニアと軽度認知機能低下の併存群の4群に分け，Log-rank検定およびCox比例ハザード回帰分析を行い，有意水準は5%未満とした。</p><p></p><p></p><p>【結果】</p><p></p><p>調査対象3900名のうち，健常群1788名，サルコペニア群120名，軽度認知機能低下群1853名，併存群139名であり，288名（7.4%）が2年間で要支援・要介護を新規に発生した。各群の新規要支援・要介護発生率は，健常群5.1%，サルコペニア群8.3%，軽度認知機能低下群8.6%，併存群18.7%であり，Log-rank検定の結果，併存群とその他3群に有意差があった（p＜0.05）。Cox比例ハザード回帰分析による健常群に対する要介護発生のハザード比は性，年齢，体重，GDS，喫煙，教育年数の調整モデルにおいて，サルコペニア群1.05（信頼区間：0.54-2.02），軽度認知機能低下群1.47（信頼区間：1.12-1.90），併存群1.97（信頼区間1.25-3.10）であり，軽度認知機能低下群と併存群は有意に新規要介護発生との関連が認められた。</p><p></p><p></p><p>【結論】</p><p></p><p>健常高齢者と比較して，サルコペニアと軽度認知機能低下を併存する者は約2倍，軽度認知機能低下のみでは約1.5倍の要介護発生リスクであることが示唆された。そのため，サルコペニアの有無に加え，認知機能を評価することは新規要介護リスクを客観的に把握するために有用である。</p>

DOI： 10.14900/cjpt.2016.1522

Language：Japanese   Publisher：公益社団法人 日本理学療法士協会  

<p>【はじめに，目的】身体的フレイルとは包括的に機能が低下した脆弱化した状態を指し，健常高齢者と要介護高齢者の中間的存在とされている。要介護の主要因の一つである転倒は，要介護リスクが高いフレイル高齢者において，特に予防すべき事象である。近年，認知機能の低下が，転倒リスクを高めることが明らかとなってきている。フレイル高齢者の転倒予防を考えていく上で，認知機能低下が転倒とどのように関連しているのか検討することが必要だが，十分に明らかにされていない。そこで，本研究の目的は身体的フレイル高齢者における認知機能低下と転倒との関連性を検討することとする。</p><p></p><p></p><p>【方法】地域高齢者10885名のうち，パーキンソン病・認知症既往者，MMSEが21点未満の者，基本的ADLに障害のある者を除く9990名（平均73.5歳）を対象とした。歩行速度低下，筋力低下，体重減少，易疲労感，身体活動量低下の5項目の内，3項目以上が該当したものを身体的フレイルと判定した。認知機能に関しては，記憶・注意機能・遂行機能・処理速度の評価を行い，年齢・教育歴で標準化したデータにもとづき1.5SD以上の機能低下を1領域でも認めた者は認知機能低下ありと定義した。その上で，健常群，認知機能低下群，フレイル群，フレイル+認知機能低下群の4群に分けた。転倒については，過去1年間の転倒経験の有無を聴取し，転倒に伴う骨折の有無も合わせて聴取した。統計解析は，従属変数に転倒経験の有無，独立変数に群要因（健常群を参照値）と共変量を投入した多変量ロジスティック回帰分析を実施した。</p><p></p><p></p><p>【結果】転倒経験のある者は，健常群15.7%，認定機能低下群18.6%，フレイル群28.4%，フレイル+認知機能低下群31.6％であった。転倒経験の有無を従属変数としたロジスティック回帰分析において，健常群を参照としたオッズ比は，認知機能低下群で1.17（95%CI 1.03－1.34），フレイル群で1.48（95%CI 1.19－1.83），フレイル+認知機能低下群で1.77（95%CI 1.39－2.27）であった。転倒経験を有する者を抽出し，転倒後の骨折経験の有無を従属変数としたロジスティック回帰分析において，健常群を参照値としたオッズ比は，フレイル+認知機能群にのみ有意な関連が認められた（2.56（95%CI 1.36－4.85））。</p><p></p><p></p><p>【結論】転倒に伴う骨折については，身体的フレイルと認定機能低下を併せ持つ高齢者のみ関連性みられた。横断研究のため，因果関係は言及できないが身体的フレイルに認知機能低下が合わさることにより，転倒回避行動の遅延などが生じ，転倒後に生じる骨折との関連が強くなるのではないかと考えられる。一方で，転倒後に骨折した身体的フレイル高齢者の認知機能が低下しているということも考えられるため，今後は前方視的な研究の中で関係性を検討する必要がある。</p>

DOI： 10.14900/cjpt.2016.1494

Language：Japanese   Publisher：公益社団法人 日本理学療法士協会  

<p>【はじめに，目的】認知的フレイルは，身体的フレイルと認知障害を合併した状態として定義され，概念的枠組みが整理されつつある。ただし，その概念を操作的に測定可能な変数に定義して，認知的フレイルが認知症発症に対する影響を調べた研究はない。そこで本研究では，高齢者を対象として，身体的フレイル，認知障害，そしてそれらを合併した認知的フレイルの状況を調べ，認知症発症を追跡調査することで，認知的フレイルと認知症発症との関係を明らかにすることを目的とした。</p><p></p><p></p><p>【方法】対象者は愛知県大府市に在住する65歳以上の高齢者4,072名であった。身体的フレイルは，歩行速度低下，筋力低下，疲労感，身体活動低下，体重減少の5つの項目のうち3つ以上の異常とした。認知障害は，National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology-Functional Assessment Toolの記憶，注意，実行機能，処理速度検査を用いて，5歳年齢階級の平均値から1.5標準偏差以上の認知機能の低下が2つ以上ある状態を認知障害ありとした。認知症の発症情報は，診療情報明細書情報から取得し，24か月間の追跡調査を実施した。統計解析は，混乱要因を調整したCox比例ハザードモデルを用いて，健常，身体的フレイル，認知障害，認知的フレイルの各群における認知症発症を比較した。</p><p></p><p></p><p>【結果】身体的フレイル，認知障害，認知的フレイルの有症率は，それぞれ5.1%，5.5%，1.1%であった。追跡期間中，認知症を発症した者は81名（2.0%）であった。健常，身体的フレイル，認知障害，認知的フレイルの各群における認知症発症率は，それぞれ1.3%，5.8%，6.3%，18.6%となり，認知的フレイルにおける発症率が高かった。Cox比例ハザードモデルによる分析の結果，健常な高齢者に対するハザード比は，身体的フレイル1.95（95%信頼区間：0.97-3.91），認知障害3.85（95%信頼区間：2.09-7.10），認知的フレイル6.19（95%信頼区間：2.73-13.99）となり，認知的フレイルにおいて高い認知症発症の危険性が認められた。</p><p></p><p></p><p>【結論】身体と認知的問題を合併した高齢者は，認知症になる危険性が高いことが明らかとなった。今後は，これらの高齢者に有効な認知症予防の介入方法を検証していく必要がある。</p>

DOI： 10.14900/cjpt.2016.1297

Language：Japanese   Publisher：公益社団法人 日本理学療法士協会  

<p>【はじめに，目的】</p><p></p><p>老年期の抑うつ状態は，生活の質を低下させるだけでなく，認知症や生活機能障害の要因となることから，予防的対策が重要と考えられる。メンタルヘルスの維持・改善には多様な生活習慣要因が関連していることが予想されるが，身体/認知/社会活動のように複数の側面から抑うつ状態発生に及ぼす影響を明らかとした研究はない。本研究の目的は，老年期における抑うつ状態の新規発生を前向きに調査し，身体/認知/社会の3つの側面からの比較検討により，予防に寄与する活動を明らかにすることである。</p><p></p><p>【方法】</p><p></p><p>愛知県における高齢者機能健診に参加した5,104名のうち，うつ病・パーキンソン病・認知症の既往者，要介護認定者，Mini-Mental State Examination（MMSE）で18点未満者，ベースラインの時点で抑うつ状態であった者を除いて，約15か月後の追跡調査に回答の得られた3,106名（男性1,580名，女性1,526名，平均年齢71.5歳）を最終的な分析対象とした。抑うつ症状はベースラインと15か月後に，Geriatric Depression Scale（GDS）により評価し，6点以上を抑うつ状態ありと判定した。質問紙により活動状況の調査を行い，【身体活動：①散歩・ウォーキング，②軽い運動・体操，③スポーツ】，【知的活動：①習い事，②ビデオ・DVDの操作，③パソコンの使用】，【社会活動：①家族友人の相談にのること，②公民館での行事・催し物への参加，③地区の会合等への出席】の9項目について実施の有無を聴取した。その他の測定項目は，基本属性（年齢，性，教育歴），Short Physical Performance Battery，MMSE，飲酒・喫煙習慣，主観的健康観，家族構成，服薬数とした。抑うつ状態の新規発生の有無を従属変数，各活動の有無を独立変数，その他の測定項目を調整因子とした多重ロジスティック回帰分析を性別ごとに行った。</p><p></p><p>【結果】</p><p></p><p>239名（7.7%）で抑うつ状態が新規発生した。多重ロジスティック回帰分析の結果，有意となったのは，男性では習い事（OR［95%CI］=0.59［0.35-0.99］），ビデオ・DVDの操作（0.64［0.42-0.97］），パソコンの使用（0.51［0.32-083］）であり，女性では軽い運動・体操（0.65［0.44-0.95］），習い事（0.65［0.44-0.97］），公民館での行事・催し物への参加（0.39［0.26-0.58］），地区の会合等への出席（0.49［0.33-0.73］）であった。</p><p></p><p>【結論】</p><p></p><p>男性では電子機器の使用のような知的活動が，女性では身体活動や地域行事・会合への参加のような社会活動が抑うつ状態の発生と独立して関連していた。老年期の抑うつ状態の保護因子となる活動には性差がみられ，性別によって異なる予防的アプローチが必要となる可能性が考えられた。</p>

DOI： 10.14900/cjpt.2016.1517

Language：Japanese   Publisher：公益社団法人 日本理学療法士協会  

<p>【はじめに，目的】</p><p></p><p>慢性疼痛を有する高齢者は，痛みを回避しようと過剰に身体活動量を制限させることで心身の虚弱化および痛み自体のさらなる悪化が引き起こされる悪循環に陥りやすいと考えられている。したがって，慢性期では痛みの強さに応じて無理のない範囲で身体活動を維持させることが重要と考えられる。本研究では，慢性疼痛を有する高齢者の身体活動に関する基礎的知見を得るため，大規模横断調査から痛みの強さ別に身体活動特性の違いを検討した。</p><p></p><p></p><p>【方法】</p><p></p><p>National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology-Study of Geriatric Syndromesの参加者のうち，2013年度の調査に参加し活動量計による身体活動量評価を実施した地域在住高齢者2,366名（75.7±4.1歳）を分析対象とした。なお，要介護認定を受けている者，認知症，脳卒中，パーキンソン病の既往を有する者は除外した。また，急性疼痛を持つ者，腰または膝以外の部位に痛みがある者，医師による運動制限を受けている者についても分析から除外した。</p><p></p><p>基本属性として年齢，性別，1日の服薬数，歩行速度，Mini-Mental State Examination（MMSE）を評価した。慢性疼痛は，腰または膝に2ヶ月以上継続した痛みがある場合を慢性疼痛ありとし，痛みの強さ別に3段階で評価した（疼痛なし/軽度の慢性疼痛あり/中等度以上の慢性疼痛あり）。身体活動の指標には，3軸加速度計内臓の活動量計で計測した1日あたりの歩数と強度別の身体活動時間を用いた。</p><p></p><p>統計解析として，対象者を疼痛なし群，軽度群，中等度以上群に分類し，3群間で基本属性および各身体活動指標を比較した。</p><p></p><p>【結果】</p><p></p><p>2,366名のうち，906名（38.3%）が慢性疼痛を有しており，そのうち軽度の慢性疼痛が546名，中等度以上の慢性疼痛が360名であった。慢性疼痛の強さによる一元配置分散分析の結果，MMSEを除く全ての基本属性に有意な主効果が認められた（p＜0.01）。各群における歩数の平均値は，疼痛なし群で5,371歩，軽度群で4,770歩，中等度以上群で4,338歩であった。年齢と性別を共変量とした共分散分析および事後検定の結果，歩数および中強度（3METs）以上の身体活動時間に関しては，軽度群と中等度以上群で疼痛なし群よりも少なく（p＜0.01），軽度群と中等度以上群の間に有意差はみられなかった。低強度（1.5～2.9METs）の身体活動時間に関しては，中等度以上群は疼痛なし群よりも少なかった（p＜0.05）のに対し，軽度群は他の群との間に有意差はみられなかった。</p><p></p><p></p><p>【結論】</p><p></p><p>慢性疼痛を有する高齢者において，身体活動量は慢性疼痛の強さと関連することが示唆され，慢性疼痛が軽度の者は低強度の活動に関しては疼痛のない者と同程度の活動量が維持されていた。慢性疼痛の強さによって異なる強度の身体活動が制限されることを示した本研究結果は，慢性疼痛を有する高齢者の身体活動の維持促進を目的とした理学療法介入にとって有用な知見を提供するものと考える。</p>

DOI： 10.14900/cjpt.2016.1604

Language：Japanese   Publisher：公益社団法人 日本理学療法士協会  

<p>【はじめに，目的】通常歩行速度は歩行能力を示す代表的な指標であり，主要な日常生活活動に反映され，転倒や虚弱と密接に関連する重要な評価として用いられている。とくに地域在住高齢者における介護・転倒・認知症の効果的な予防を図るためには，有害事象のリスクを早期に検出するためだけでなく，予防・改善の介入効果を客観的に判断する評価指標とその参考値が求められる。評価における測定誤差の限界域を表す最小可検変化量（MDC）は，測定値が測定誤差以上の変化を示したかどうかを判断する参考値になるが，大規模研究による地域在住高齢者の年齢や性別を考慮した通常歩行速度のMDCを示した報告は乏しい。本研究では，地域在住高齢者において，性別と各年代の違いによる通常歩行速度の差異を検証するとともに，各年代における通常歩行速度のMDCを大規模集団の横断データによって明らかとすることを目的とした。</p><p></p><p>【方法】対象は，愛知県における高齢者機能健診に参加した65歳以上の地域在住高齢者5104人のうち，脳血管疾患，パーキンソン病，認知症の既往者，要介護認定者を除外し，通常歩行速度の測定が可能であった4637人とした。調査項目は通常歩行速度であり，実際には6.6mの直線歩行路における中央2.4mの歩行区間を通常速度にて歩行した際の所要時間をWalkwayにて測定し，2回測定した値を速度に換算して分析に用いた。全対象者を男女別で5歳ごとの年齢階級の群（65-69歳，70-74歳，75-79歳，80-84歳，85歳以上）に分類し，通常歩行速度について年齢および性別による差異を検討するために2元配置分散分析および多重比較検定を用いて比較するとともに，各群において通常歩行速度の級内相関係数（ICC），測定標準誤差（SEM），およびMDC₉₅を算出した。</p><p></p><p>【結果】全対象者における通常歩行速度は1回目1.20±0.22m/s，2回目1.26±0.22m/sであり，級内相関係数ICC（2,1）0.92，ICC（2,2）0.96，SEM 0.06m/s，MDC95 0.17m/sであった。2元配置分散分析の結果，年代および性別による有意な主効果（p＜0.01）と交互作用（p＜0.001）を示した。また，多重比較検定の結果，男女ともに年代別のすべての群間に有意差が認められ，年齢階級の高さに順じて有意な低値を示した。さらに，各群における通常歩行速度のMDC₉₅を算出した結果，0.15～0.18m/sであった。</p><p></p><p>【結論】本研究における通常歩行速度の測定は，臨床的に有用とされる高い再現性を示した。近年の先行研究（Mangione KK, et al., 2010）では，地域在住高齢者における通常歩行速度についてSEM 0.08m/s，MDC 0.19m/sと報告されているが，通常歩行速度の平均値が年齢の高さに順じて有意に低い値を示すとともに，年齢階級の差によって通常歩行速度のMDCにおいても0.01～0.03m/s程度の差異が生じていた。本研究における大規模集団の横断データによって算出された通常歩行速度の平均値およびMDCは，地域高齢者の予防的介入に活用できる参考値になると考えられた。</p>

DOI： 10.14900/cjpt.2016.1525

Language：Japanese   Publisher：公益社団法人 日本理学療法士協会  

<p>【はじめに，目的】筋力や歩行の身体機能は加齢で低下し，体重や筋量などの身体組成指標も加齢の影響を受ける。しかし，これらの指標の加齢変化が日本人高齢者でどのような特徴を有しているかは十分なデータが示されていない。本研究では，身体機能評価の握力，椅子の立ち座りテスト（Five-Times-Sit-to-Stand：FTSS），歩行速度および身体組成評価の体重，脂肪量，四肢筋量の各指標における加齢変化を確認し，これらの加齢変化パターンが指標によって異なるかを横断データで検証した。加齢の影響を考慮するうえで重視すべき指標を提唱することが本研究の意義となる。</p><p></p><p></p><p>【方法】健診に参加した地域高齢者10885名のうち，パーキンソン病・脳卒中の既往者，MMSE18点未満者を除く10092名（平均73.6歳）を対象とした。身体機能は握力，FTSS，歩行速度で評価した。身体組成は多周波体組成計MC-980A（TANITA）で体重，脂肪量，四肢筋量を計測し，体重を身長の二乗で除したbody mass index（BMI）と四肢筋量を身長の二乗で除したappendicular skeletal mass index（ASMI）を算出した。統計解析では，各指標と年齢との関係は相関分析で調べ，各指標における加齢変化パターンの相違を検証するために，65～69歳の測定値が基準となるように65～69歳の男女ごとの平均値と標準偏差から個人のTスコア（50＋10×（測定値－65～69歳の平均値）/65～69歳の標準偏差）を算出した。身体機能（握力，FTSS，歩行速度）および身体組成評価（BMI，ASMI）について，年齢（5歳区分）と各指標を要因とした二元配置分散分析を行った（危険率5%未満）。</p><p></p><p></p><p>【結果】身体機能のすべての指標が年齢と有意な相関関係を認め，加齢に伴い身体機能が低下していた。身体組成では，体重と四肢筋量が年齢と有意な負の相関関係を認め，脂肪量は男性で年齢との相関は有意ではなく（r=-0.02，P=0.19），女性では非常に弱い相関関係であった（r=-0.05，P＜0.01）。Tスコア変化から各指標の加齢変化パターンを比較すると，男女ともに身体機能および身体組成のいずれにおいても有意な交互作用を認め（身体機能：F=10.0（男性），F=15.0（女性），P＜0.01；身体組成：F=19.7（男性），F=58.0（女性），P＜0.01），指標によって加齢変化パターンが異なっていた。男性では握力，女性では歩行速度で加齢による低下が顕著であり，身体組成はBMIよりもASMIで加齢による低下が男女ともに顕著であった。</p><p></p><p></p><p>【結論】身体機能の加齢変化は指標によって異なり，男性では握力，女性では歩行速度の低下が顕著であり，身体組成では体重よりも四肢筋量が加齢の影響を受けやすいことが示唆された。四肢筋量の低下が顕著であることより，身体組成の評価のなかでも骨格筋量の加齢変化を抑制することは重要であることが確認された。加齢で低下しやすい指標は異なることが示唆されたことは，身体機能および身体組成の加齢低下の抑制を推進するうえで，考慮すべき重要な情報になると考えられた。</p>

DOI： 10.14900/cjpt.2016.1296

Language：English  

BACKGROUND: It is important to examine the etiology of motoric cognitive risk syndrome (MCR) and its association with dementia and disability to obtain biological insights and to develop preventive strategies. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the association of MCR with incidence of dementia and disability in a Japanese community-dwelling sample of older adults. METHODS: Participants were 4,235 older adults (50% women, mean age: 72.0 years). MCR was diagnosed at baseline using established criteria in non-demented seniors with self-reported cognitive complaints and slow gait. Incident cases of dementia were identified from insurance data monthly. Disability was regarded as certification by long-term care insurance. RESULTS: At baseline, 265 participants (6.3%) met criteria for MCR. During follow-up (mean duration: 29 months), there were 138 incident cases of dementia (3.3%) and 207 incident cases of disability (4.9%). Cox-proportional hazards models, adjusted for demographical data, lifestyle, and medical conditions, showed that presence of MCR at baseline was a major risk factor for developing dementia (HR 2.49, 95% CI 1.52-4.10, p < 0.001). MCR also predicted risk for disability (HR 1.69, 95% CI 1.08-2.02, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: MCR is helpful in the short-term prediction of risk for dementia and disability in the elderly Japanese population. Identification of seniors with MCR is recommended for early detection and instituting preventive measures for reducing the risk of dementia and disability.

DOI： 10.3233/JAD-170195

Scopus

PubMed

Language：English  

BACKGROUND: The associations between components of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) subtypes remain unclear. OBJECTIVE: The study aim was to identify the prevalence of MetS for MCI subtypes and to investigate sex differences in the association between MetS and MCI subtypes in older Japanese adults. METHODS: The study analyzed data from 3,312 men and women aged 70 years or more. MetS was diagnosed according to International Diabetes Federation criteria. Participants completed cognitive tests and were categorized into normal cognition, amnestic MCI (aMCI), and non-amnestic MCI (naMCI). The associations between MetS and its components and MCI subtypes were analyzed using multiple logistic regression. RESULTS: MetS prevalence was greater in participants with naMCI (men: p = 0.030; women: p = 0.040). Participants with naMCI showed higher odds ratios (OR) of MetS (men: 2.45, 95% confidence intervals (CI): 1.13-5.32; women: OR: 1.94, 95% CI: 1.12-3.39) compared with participants with normal cognition. MetS was not associated with aMCI. Analysis of MetS components showed that raised glucose (OR: 1.62, 95% CI: 1.19-2.22) and reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (OR: 1.97, 95% CI: 1.25-3.12) were associated with naMCI in men. In women, raised blood pressure (OR: 1.42, 95% CI: 1.03-1.94) and raised glucose (OR: 1.32, 95% CI: 1.02-1.71) were associated with naMCI. CONCLUSION: MetS was associated only with naMCI regardless of sex, which suggests etiologic differences in MCI subtypes. We also found sex differences in the relationship between naMCI risk and MetS and its components.

DOI： 10.3233/JAD-161230

Scopus

PubMed

Language：Japanese   Publisher：Japanese Society of Physical Therapy  

<p><b>Purpose</b>: The aims of this study were to modify the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) to validate its use with community-dwelling Japanese older adults and to examine the impact of the modified SPPB based on a community-based score (SPPB-com) on a scale assessing the new onset of need of care according to long-term care insurance (LTCI).</p><p><b>Methods</b>: A population of 4,328 community-dwelling older individuals (mean age = 71.8 years) participated in this prospective study. The participants were assessed using the original version of the SPPB (0-12 points) at baseline assessment and were followed up with for 24 months to examine the new onset of need of care according to LTCI. The SPPB-com (0-10 points), as the modified version of the SPPB, was calculated based on this sample&rsquo;s performance on SPPB components including walking speed, chair stand test, and standing balance.</p><p><b>Results</b>: Of the 4,328 participants, 78.7% achieved a perfect score (12 points) on the original SPPB, while 10.5% achieved a perfect score (10 points) on the SPPB-com. The participants who scored less than 4 points on the SPPB-com showed the greatest incident rates of onset of need of care during the 24-month follow-up period (12.8%). In the adjusted model, which included potential covariates, age, sex (women), Mini-Mental State Examination scores, and SPPB-com scores were significantly related to increased risk of the new onset of need of care.</p><p><b>Conclusion</b>: The SPPB-com, which was modified to validate its use for community-dwelling Japanese older adults, may be useful in evaluating greater risks of disability.</p>

DOI： 10.15063/rigaku.11253

J-GLOBAL

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

AIM: Memory dysfunction is a major component of age-related cognitive decline, and is a marker of cognitive impairment. Emerging evidence suggests that the prefrontal cortex is required for maintenance of memory functions. The purpose of the present study was to elucidate age-related changes in prefrontal oxygenation during memory encoding and retrieval using near-infrared spectroscopy. METHODS: We examined 21 young (mean age 24.3 years), 52 young-old (mean age 69.7 years) and 50 old-old (mean age 79.5 years) participants. The concentration of oxyhemoglobin, which is a reliable biomarker of changes in regional cerebral blood flow, in the right and left prefrontal cortex was measured during encoding and delayed retrieval of a list of 10 target words. The average number of correct answers in the retrieval task was used as a measure of task performance. RESULTS: During encoding, oxyhemoglobin was significantly and bilaterally lower in young-old and old-old participants compared with young participants. Meanwhile, during retrieval, only old-old participants showed significantly decreased oxyhemoglobin compared with young and young-old participants. The old-old participants showed fewer correct answers in the retrieval period than the young and young-old participants. CONCLUSIONS: Old-old participants showed reduced prefrontal oxygenation during both encoding and retrieval, and decreased memory performance compared with younger participants. It is necessary for the clinical application of near-infrared spectroscopy to consider the effects of demographic variables on cerebral oxygenation. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2016; 16: 1296-1304.

DOI： 10.1111/ggi.12642

PubMed

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

BACKGROUND: Older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) are non-demented, but demonstrate cognitive dysfunction, and have significantly higher risk of progressing to dementia. A better understanding of more sensitive risk factors, such as combination of cognitive and psychological status, for progression of MCI to dementia may be crucial for prevention of development of dementia. OBJECTIVE: To examine MCI, depressive symptoms, and comorbid MCI and depressive symptoms as risk factors for development of dementia. METHODS: A total of 3,663 community-dwelling older people were included in this prospective longitudinal study. MCI was determined by age- and education-adjusted objective cognitive impairment using computerized comprehensive cognitive measures including memory, attention/executive function, and processing speed. Depressive symptoms were measured using the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) and defined by a GDS score of 6 or more. RESULTS: During the 24-month follow-up period, 72 participants (2.0%) developed dementia. Baseline MCI was significantly associated with an increased risk of incident dementia (hazard ratio [HR], 3.2; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.8-5.5) but depressive symptoms were not (2.0; 1.0-4.2) after adjusting for age, sex, education, prescribed medications, and walking speed. Participants with comorbid MCI and depressive symptoms at baseline had a higher risk of developing dementia (HR, 4.8; 2.3-10.5). CONCLUSION: Although MCI and depressive symptoms may be associated with increased risk for incident dementia independently, comorbid MCI and depressive symptoms have a significantly greater impact on dementia development among community-dwelling older adults.

DOI： 10.3233/JAD-160244

PubMed

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: In dual-task situations, postural control is closely associated with attentional cost. Previous studies have reported age-related differences between attentional cost and postural control, but little is known about the association in conditions with a one-legged standing posture. The purpose of this study was to determine age-related differences in postural control and attentional cost while performing tasks at various difficulty levels in a one-legged standing posture. METHODS: In total, 29 healthy older adults aged 64 to 78 years [15 males, 14 females, mean (SD) = 71.0 (3.8) years] and 29 healthy young adults aged 20 to 26 years [14 males, 15 females, mean (SD) = 22.5 (1.5) years] participated in this study. We measured the reaction time, trunk accelerations, and lower limb muscle activity under 3 different one-legged standing conditions-on a firm surface, on a soft surface with a urethane mat, and on a softer more unstable surface with 2 piled urethane mats. Reaction time as an indication of attentional cost was measured by pressing a handheld button as quickly as possible in response to an auditory stimulus. A 2-way repeated-measures analysis of variance was performed to examine the differences between the 3 task conditions and the 2 age groups for each outcome. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Trunk accelerations showed a statistically significant group-by-condition interaction in the anteroposterior (F = 9.1, P < .05), mediolateral (F = 9.9, P < .05), and vertical (F = 9.3, P < .05) directions. Muscle activity did not show a statistically significant group-by-condition interaction, but there was a significant main effect of condition in the tibialis anterior muscle (F = 33.1, P < .01) and medial gastrocnemius muscle (F = 14.7, P < .01) in young adults and the tibialis anterior muscle (F = 24.8, P < .01) and medial gastrocnemius muscle (F = 10.8, P < .01) in older adults. In addition, there was a statistically significant interaction in reaction time (F = 8.2, P < .05) for group-by-condition. CONCLUSIONS: The study results confirmed that reaction times in older adults are more prolonged than young adults in the same challenging postural control condition.

DOI： 10.1519/JPT.0000000000000063

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AIM: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between kidney function with concomitant diabetes or hypertension and frailty in community-dwelling Japanese older adults. METHODS: The participants were 9606 residents (community-dwelling Japanese older adults) who completed baseline assessments. The estimated glomerular filtration rate (mL/min/1.73 m2 ) was determined according to the serum creatinine level, and participants were classified into four mutually exclusive categories: ≥60.0 (normal range), 45.0-59.9, 30.0-44.9 and <30.0 mL/min/1.73 m2 . Frailty status was defined using five criteria as described by Fried: slow gait speed, muscle weakness, low physical activity, exhaustion and unintentional weight loss. Participants who met three, four or five criteria satisfied the definition of having frailty. Multivariate logistic regression was used to examine the relationships between estimated glomerular filtration rate and frailty. RESULTS: After multivariate adjustment, participants with lower kidney function (estimated glomerular filtration rate <30.0 mL/min/1.73 m2 ) were more frail (odds ratio [OR] 1.90, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01-3.59). In addition, individuals with a history of diabetes (OR 2.76, 95% CI 1.21-8.24) or hypertension (OR 2.53, 95% CI 1.45-5.12) showed a significantly increased risk of frailty in the lower kidney function group, regardless of multivariate controls. Furthermore, the analyses showed an even greater increase in the risk of frailty in patients with a history of both diabetes and hypertension (OR 3.67, 95% CI 1.13-14.1) CONCLUSIONS: A lower level of kidney function was associated with a higher risk of frailty in community-dwelling Japanese older adults. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 1527-1533.

DOI： 10.1111/ggi.12910

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DOI： 10.1111/psyg.12165

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OBJECTIVE: Although sleep disturbances are associated with disability among older adults, no longitudinal study has examined the impact of sleep assessed based on both sleep quality and quantity on incident disability. This study examined whether sleep duration and excessive daytime sleepiness were associated with incidence of disability in community-dwelling older adults. METHODS: A total of 4756 older adults (53.3% women, mean age 71.9 years) met the entry criteria for this study. We measured monthly incident disability, defined as the onset of being certified for personal support or care as required by Japanese public long-term care insurance during the preceding 24 months. Sleep duration, excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), and demographic factors were assessed at baseline. Cox's proportional hazard regression analysis estimated hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of incidence of disability according to the 3 categories of sleep duration (short: </=6.0 hours, mid: 6.1 to 8.9 hours, long: >/=9.0 hours), and we used mid duration sleepers as the reference group. RESULTS: Long sleep duration (HR 1.43, 95% CI 1.04-1.97) and presence of EDS (HR 1.41, 95% CI 1.01-1.98) were associated with higher rates of incident disability. Furthermore, a combination of sleep duration and EDS was associated with a higher rate of incident disability than the mid and no EDS group (HR 2.25, 95% CI 1.36-3.70). CONCLUSION: Long sleep duration and EDS affected the incident of disability; thus, older adults with both sleep patterns may require an intervention to alter their sleep habit.

DOI： 10.1016/j.jamda.2016.05.020

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Dual-task gait performance is impaired in older adults with mild cognitive impairment, but the brain substrates associated with dual-task gait performance are not well-established. The relationship between gray matter and gait speed under single-task and dual-task conditions (walking while counting backward) was examined in 560 seniors with mild cognitive impairment (non-amnestic mild cognitive impairment: n = 270; mean age = 72.4 yrs., 63.6 % women; amnestic mild cognitive impairment: n = 290; mean age = 73.4 yrs., 45.4 % women). Multivariate covariance-based analyses of magnetic resonance imaging data, adjusted for potential confounders including single-task gait speed, were performed to identify gray matter patterns associated with dual-task gait speed. There were no differences in gait speed or cognitive performance during dual-task gait between individuals with non-amnestic mild cognitive impairment and amnestic mild cognitive impairment. Overall, increased dual-task gait speed was associated with a gray matter pattern of increased volume in medial frontal gyrus, superior frontal gyrus, anterior cingulate, cingulate, precuneus, fusiform gyrus, middle occipital gyrus, inferior temporal gyrus and middle temporal gyrus. The relationship between dual-task gait speed and brain substrates also differed by mild cognitive impairment subtype. Our study revealed a pattern of gray matter regions associated with dual-task performance. Although dual-task gait performance was similar in amnestic and non-amnestic mild cognitive impairment, the gray matter patterns associated with dual-task gait performance differed by mild cognitive impairment subtype. These findings suggest that the brain substrates supporting dual-task gait performance in amnestic and non-amnestic subtypes are different, and consequently may respond differently to interventions, or require different interventions.

DOI： 10.1007/s11682-016-9562-1,

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PubMed

Language：Japanese   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

The effects of exercise and physical activity on cognitive function and brain health have been established by longitudinal and intervention studies. However, it is not clear whether exercise has positive effects on cognitive function in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. Further studies, including a ramdomized controlled trial with a larger sample size, are required to identify the effects of exercise and multicomponent intervention on cognitive function in the older adults with mild cognitive impairment. It is also important to identify the adequate duration, frequency, and intensity of exercise intervention that is most effective for older individuals.

DOI： 10.11477/mf.1416200512

PubMed

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AIM: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between sedentary time and declines in kidney function among community-dwelling older adults. METHODS: Participants comprised 10 242 community-dwelling older adults who were participating in the National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology - Study of Geriatric Syndromes. Sedentary time was determined by asking participants to record the total amount of hours usually spent sitting each day, with values divided into quartiles of 0 to <4 h (reference), 4 to <6 h, 6 to <8 h and ≥8 h of sitting time per day. The estimated glomerular filtration rate was determined according to creatinine levels, and participants were classified into two categories: ≥60.0 or <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 . RESULTS: After multivariate adjustment, the highest quartiles of sedentary time showed a higher rate of kidney function decline than those in the lowest quartile (odds ratio 1.42, 95% CI 1.02-1.37). In addition, participants with a history of cancer (odds ratio 1.18, 95% CI 1.01-1.39) or hypertension (odds ratio 1.38; 95% CI 1.07-1.60) had significantly increased risks of kidney function decline in the highest sedentary time group, regardless of multivariate control. Furthermore, analyses showed an increased risk of kidney function decline for a history of both cancer and hypertension (odds ratio 2.02, 95% CI 1.08-3.80). CONCLUSIONS: A higher level of sedentary time was associated with kidney function decline among community-dwelling older adults. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 730-736.

DOI： 10.1111/ggi.12779

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BACKGROUND: Memory impairment is considered a hallmark of amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) and dementia. Emerging evidence suggests that the prefrontal lobe is required to maintain memory functions. The purpose of this study was to clarify whether older adults with aMCI have decreased prefrontal oxygenation during memory encoding and retrieval compared with age-matched healthy older adults, using multi-channel near-infrared spectroscopy. METHODS: We examined 64 older adults with aMCI (mean 71.8 years) and 66 cognitively healthy control subjects comparable in age and gender (mean 71.7 years). The concentration of oxy-hemoglobin, which is a reliable biomarker of changes in regional cerebral blood flow, was measured in the prefrontal cortex during encoding and delayed retrieval of a list of 10 target words. Task performance was evaluated as average number of correct answers in the retrieval task. RESULTS: Subjects with aMCI showed reduced activation in the bilateral dorsolateral cortex (approximately Brodmann area 9) and provided fewer correct answers in the retrieval period than control subjects. There were no significant differences during encoding. CONCLUSIONS: Reduced activation in the dorsolateral cortex during retrieval may cause deficits in memory performance, which may be used as a marker of aMCI. Further studies are required to examine the predictive validity of this decreased activation pattern for the incidence of Alzheimer's disease.

DOI： 10.1002/gps.4363

PubMed

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BACKGROUND: Disability is a crucial health problem in aging. Identifying a biological contributory factor would be useful. Serum insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) plays an important role in the endocrine system and is associated with frailty. However, there is no consensus about the relationship between IGF-1 and disability. This study aimed to examine whether IGF-1 related to incident disability among older adults. METHODS: The study included 4,133 older adults (mean age, 71.8+/-5.4 years) who were participants in the "Obu Study of Health Promotion for the Elderly" cohort study. We collected information on demographic variables, measured gait speed, Mini Mental State Examination score, and serum IGF-1 at baseline. During follow-up, incident disability was monitored by Long-Term Care Insurance certification. RESULTS: Disability was observed in 212 participants during a mean follow-up duration period of 29.2 months. A log rank test indicated that lower levels of serum IGF-1 were related to incident disability (p = .004). A Cox hazard regression showed a lower quartile in IGF-1 related to disability compared with the highest quartile (Q4), even when adjusting for covariates including gait speed and Mini Mental State Examination score (Q1: hazard ratio = 1.72, 95% confidence intervals: 1.06-2.81; Q2: hazard ratio = 1.64, 95% confidence intervals: 0.99-2.71; Q3: hazard ratio = 1.31, 95% confidence intervals: 0.76-2.25). In the analysis, stratified by sex, there was also significant relationship between IGF-1 and disability among women, but not men. CONCLUSIONS: Lower serum IGF-1 was independently related to disability among older adults.

DOI： 10.1093/gerona/glv167

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AIM: Self-reported exhaustion (SE) is a clinical complaint that is associated with a wide range of chronic diseases. However, the association of SE with physical activity, physical function or cognitive function among the older adult Japanese population is unclear. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of SE, as well as whether physical function, cognitive function and physical activity were significant covariates. METHODS: A total of 4607 adults (mean age 71 years) were considered eligible for participation based on the study criteria. SE was evaluated using the Study of Osteoporotic Fracture Index. We also evaluated physical activity, physical function (grip strength, Timed Up & Go) and cognitive function (Mini-Mental State Examination, Trail Making Test part A and B, Symbol Digit Substitution Task). RESULTS: The prevalence of SE ranged from 40.9% to 55.0%, and significantly increased with age. The results of the multiple logistic regression analyses showed that in the adjusted model of the 65-69 years age group, physical activity, Timed Up & Go and Symbol Digit Substitution Task were independently associated with SE. In the 70-79 years age group, physical activity, Timed Up & Go, Trail Making Test part A and B and Symbol Digit Substitution Task were independently associated with exhaustion. Only physical activity was associated with exhaustion in the >/=80 years age group. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of SE increased with age in the older adult Japanese population. Exhaustion was strongly associated with reduced daily physical activity, especially in those aged >/=80 years. Further studies should be carried out to determine if physical activity causes SE. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2016; 16: 625-630.

DOI： 10.1111/ggi.12528

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AIM: Cognitive impairment can negatively affect driving performance and increase the risk of driving errors, leading to vehicle crashes. We used a population-based survey to identify the prevalence of cognitive impairments in older drivers. METHODS: A total of 10,073 older adults were enrolled in the National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology - Study of Geriatric Syndromes. We characterized general cognitive impairment using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). We also used the National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology-Functional Assessment Tool, which includes six tasks to assess word list memory, logical memory, attention and executive function, processing speed, and visuospatial skill. RESULTS: Just 15% of older women with moderate cognitive decline (MMSE </=20) drove, whereas 61% of older men with moderate cognitive decline drove. Cognitively normal participants (MMSE score 27 and over) scored significantly better on six cognitive tests compared with those with mild (MMSE score 21-26) or moderate cognitive decline, and those in the mild cognitive decline group scored significantly better on six cognitive tests than those in the moderate cognitive decline group. CONCLUSION: A total of 61% of older men with moderate cognitive decline did not cease driving. These older drivers showed poor cognitive performance in multiple domains compared with those with normal and mild cognitive decline. Further studies are required to clarify the relationships between cognitive decline and car crashes in these high-risk populations.

DOI： 10.1111/ggi.12504

PubMed

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OBJECTIVES: This study examined the predictive validity of flanker tasks on driving cessation in older drivers. The flanker task comprises a set of response inhibition tests used to assess the ability to suppress responses. METHODS: A total of 2805 older drivers aged >/=65 years at baseline participated in this study. We conducted several baseline assessments focused on physical and psychological health as well as cognitive performance. Fifteen months after the baseline measurements, we collected information about the current driving status of the participants. RESULTS: Forty-eight participants (1.7%) ceased driving during the 15-month period following the assessment. Logistic regression models identified the following as significant predictors of driving cessation: performance on the trail-making test (parts A and B), digit symbol substitution test scores, story memory, and flanker task scores for the total, congruent, and incongruent conditions. The flanker task scores for the total, congruent, and incongruent conditions were significant predictors in the fully adjusted logistic model. CONCLUSION: The flanker task was more important than assessments of general cognition, including memory, attention, executive control, and processing speed, in predicting driving cessation. The flanker task may be useful for identifying driving cessation in older adults.

DOI： 10.1002/gps.4308

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OBJECTIVES: To elucidate whether a combination of slow gait speed and depressive symptoms result in higher risk of incident disability in older adults than either symptom individually. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: Obu City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan. PARTICIPANTS: Participants were 4038 older adults (48.7% male, mean age = 71 years) who met the study inclusion criteria. MEASUREMENTS: Longitudinal data on incident disability were collected up to 33 months [median 31 months (interquartile range 29-32 months)] after baseline. We monitored monthly incident disability, defined as Japanese long-term care insurance certification for personal support or care. Baseline measurements included covariates for incident disability, gait speed, and the Geriatric Depression Scale for assessing depressive symptoms. The associations between slow gait, depressive symptoms, or their co-occurrence, and incident disability were examined. RESULTS: Control participants were the reference in an adjusted Cox proportional hazard regression model. Participants with co-occurring slow gait and depressive symptoms showed a greater risk of incident disability [hazard ratio (HR) 3.08, confidence interval (CI) 95% 2.00-4.75]. Greater risk was also found for participants with slow gait speed alone (HR 2.44, CI 95% 1.71-3.47) and depressive symptoms alone (HR 1.60, CI 95% 1.01-2.53). CONCLUSIONS: Older adults with both risk factors may require early detection and physical and psychological intervention.

DOI： 10.1016/j.jamda.2015.08.012

PubMed

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AIMS: Identifying the risk factors of cognitive impairment is essential for implementing effective prevention strategies for dementia. Previous studies have shown that the frequency of going outdoors is inversely associated with cognitive decline. Little research has examined whether the relationship between going outdoors and cognitive decline varies with physical functioning in older adults. The aim of the present study was to examine the relationship between going outdoors and cognitive function in older adults with and without physical function limitations. METHODS: The present study analyzed the data of 4450 individuals (aged 65 years or older) who participated in the Obu Study of Health Promotion for the Elderly. The measures were the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), going outdoors (at least once a week or not), self-reported physical function limitations (with or without), and demographic and health-related factors as potential confounders. RESULTS: Analysis of covariance and post-hoc comparisons showed that although going outdoors at least once a week was associated with higher MMSE scores among older adults with limited physical function, it was not significantly associated with the MMSE scores among older adults without limited physical function. Similarly, logistic regression analyses, stratified by physical function, showed a significant association between going outdoors and MMSE (<24 points or not) among older adults with limited physical function. CONCLUSIONS: The results show that going outdoors less than once a week is associated with decreased cognitive function among older adults with limited physical function, but it is not associated with cognitive function among older adults without limited physical function.

DOI： 10.1111/ggi.12437

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The prevalence of disability is increasing due to an expanding aging population and an increasing incidence of chronic health problems. Cognitive impairment may predict the development of disability in older adults. Therefore, we examined the association of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and/or general cognitive impairment (GCI, defined as a Mini Mental State Examination [MMSE] score of 20-23) with the development of disability in a cohort of Japanese community-dwelling older adults. A total of 4290 participants (aged >/=65 years) enrolled in the Obu Study of Health Promotion for the Elderly were classified according to the presence and degree of cognitive impairment as follows: cognitively healthy, GCI, MCI single domain (MCIs), MCIs with GCI, MCI multiple domain (MCIm), and MCIm with GCI. MMSE scores, risk factors for dementia, and incidences of new disability were recorded. After an average of 29.5 months, 205 participants (4.8%) experienced a new onset of disability. All subtypes of cognitive impairment showed significant relationships with disability except for GCI alone. The following hazard ratios (HRs) were determined: MCIs (HR, 2.04; 95% CI, 1.39-3.00), MCIs with GCI (HR, 2.10; 95% CI, 1.21-3.62), MCIm (HR, 2.32; 95% CI, 1.39-3.85), and MCIm with GCI (HR, 4.23; 95% CI, 2.73-6.57). These results indicate that cognitive impairment may be related to an increased risk for the development of disability. Healthcare providers should implement global cognitive assessments to identify MCI and GCI and consider preventive interventions for disability, especially in older persons.

DOI： 10.1371/journal.pone.0158720,

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BACKGROUND: Many studies have examined the negative social and health consequences of driving cessation in later life. However, whether the transition to driving cessation results in the incidence of functional limitation in older people remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine whether driving cessation was associated with the incidence of functional limitation in older Japanese individuals. METHODS: The study included 3,556 participants (mean age: 71.5 +/- 5.3 years, 50.2% women) enrolled in the 'Obu Study of Health Promotion for the Elderly' cohort study between August 2011 and February 2012. The participants were classified into three groups according to their driving status: driving, driving cessation, and nondriving. We assessed new incidence of functional limitation over a 24- month period and examined several confounding factors. RESULTS: The incidence rates for functional limitation in the driving, driving cessation, and nondriving groups were 0.9, 10.8, and 5.6%, respectively (p < 0.001). The fully adjusted Cox proportional hazard model showed that hazard ratios (HRs) for functional limitation in nondrivers [HR: 2.37, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.27-4.44] and those who had ceased driving (HR: 7.80, 95% CI: 2.61-23.36) were significantly higher relative to those observed in current drivers. CONCLUSION: Driving cessation exerted a strong impact on the risk of functional limitation. Further study is required to determine appropriate intervention strategies to help older people to maintain the abilities required for safe driving and delay the functional limitation associated with driving cessation.

DOI： 10.1159/000448036

PubMed

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OBJECTIVES: To identify the relationships between physical and/or cognitive frailty and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) functioning in community living older persons. DESIGN: Cross sectional observation study. SETTING: Data extracted from the 2011-2013 of the National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology-Study of Geriatric Syndromes (NCGG-SGS) database. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 8,864 older adults aged >/= 65 years who were enrolled in the NCGG-SGS. MEASUREMENTS: We characterized physical frailty as limitations in three or more of the following five domains: slow walking speed, muscle weakness, exhaustion, low activity and weight loss. To screen for cognitive impairment, we used the National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology-Functional Assessment Tool (NCGG-FAT) which included tests of word list memory, attention and executive function (tablet version of the Trail Making Test, part A and B), and processing speed (tablet version of the Digit Symbol Substitution Test). Two or more cognitive impairments indicated by an age-adjusted score of at least 1.5 standard deviations below the reference threshold was characterized as cognitive impairment. Each participant reported on their IADL status (use of public transportation, shopping, management of finances, and housekeeping) and several potential confounders such as demographic characteristics. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of physical frailty, cognitive impairment, and cognitive frailty, i.e. co-occurrence of frailty and cognitive impairment, was 7.2%, 5.2%, and 1.2%, respectively. We found significant relationships between IADL limitations and physical frailty (Odds Ratio (OR) 1.24, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.01 to 1.52), cognitive impairment (OR 1.71, 95% CI 1.39 to 2.11), and cognitive frailty (OR 2.63, 95% CI 1.74 to 3.97). CONCLUSION: Using the NCGG-SGS frailty criteria, we found more participants with physical frailty than with cognitive frailty. The individuals with cognitive frailty had the highest risks of IADL limitations. Future investigation is necessary to determine whether this population is at increased risk for incidence of disability or mortality.

DOI： 10.1007/s12603-016-0685-2

PubMed

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OBJECTIVES: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) may be a risk for disability, and co-occurrence of slow gait (SG) and MCI may increase this risk. DESIGN: Prospective study. SETTING: General community. PARTICIPANTS: The study included 3482 older adults (mean age: 71.4 years) without disability at baseline. MEASUREMENTS: We collected information on demographic variables, measured gait speed and cognitive function to diagnose MCI at baseline. During the follow-up period, the incident disability was monitored. Participants were divided into groups without MCI and SG (control), with SG without MCI (SG), without SG and with MCI in single (sMCI) or multiple (mMCI) domains, and with SG and MCI in single (sMCI + SG) and multiple (mMCI + SG) domains. RESULTS: During follow-up, 134 participants developed disability (mean follow-up: 29.4 months). The proportions of incident disability were higher in the MCI with SG, MCI, and SG groups, compared with the control group. SG [hazard ratio 2.27 (95% confidence interval: 1.38-3.73)], mMCI [2.56 (1.31-5.02)], sMCI + SG [2.46 (1.21-5.00)], and mMCI + SG [3.48 (1.79-6.76)] participants had risks for disability. CONCLUSIONS: Co-occurrence of SG and MCI in multiple domains has a higher risk of disability than each condition alone.

DOI： 10.1016/j.jamda.2015.07.007

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OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine whether mild cognitive impairment (MCI) affects the development of fear of falling (FoF) in older adults. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: The Obu Study for Health Promotion in the Elderly, Japan. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 1700 community-dwelling people aged 65 years or older without FoF at baseline participated. MEASUREMENTS: FoF and related variables, such as physical function, self-rated health, depression, and total number of medication doses, were investigated at baseline. Participants also underwent cognitive tests and were divided into cognitive healthy and MCI. Fifteen months after the baseline measurements, we collected information about the status of FoF and fall incidence during the 15-month follow-up. RESULTS: At the 15-month follow-up survey, 452 participants (26.5%) reported the development of FoF. Logistic regression analysis showed that MCI (odds ratio [95% CI] = 1.41 [1.07-1.87]) and a fall incident (3.00 [2.23-4.07]) during follow-up independently predicted the development of FoF, after controlling for demographic factors, physical function, self-rated health, and depression. The odds ratio for the development of FoF in participants with both MCI and a fall incident compared with those without them was 7.34 (4.06-13.3), after controlling for confounding factors. CONCLUSION: MCI predicts the new onset of FoF in older adults, especially when they have experience with falling. Aside from the risk of falling, it is suggested that individuals with MCI are an at-risk population for FoF and related negative consequences in terms of postfall syndrome.

DOI： 10.1016/j.jamda.2015.09.014

PubMed

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The linkage between gait and cognition has been shown in cases of white matter lesion (WML) that affect gait in older adults. Dual-task walking is believed to be cognitively demanding and to alter trunk movement, and gait impairment in people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is highlighted under this condition. However, the association between dual-task walking and structural changes in the brain, particularly with WML, in people with MCI is still unclear. The aim of this study was to examine the association between trunk stability during dual-task walking and WML in 560 older adults with MCI. We measured magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and gait variables. Gait variables included harmonic ratio in vertical, mediolateral, and anteroposterior directions, analyzed using a tri-axial accelerometer attached to the lower trunk. Walking conditions were normal walking and dual-task walking (counting backwards while walking) conditions. Demographical data and brain atrophy were measured as covariates. Subjects were classified into non-severe WML (n = 451, mean age = 73.2 years) and severe WML (n = 109, mean age = 75.9 years) groups. Linear mixed-effects model analysis controlled for covariates showed dual-task-related changes in all harmonic ratios associated with WML (p < 0.05). Even after adjustment for executive function, harmonic ratio in the mediolateral direction was significantly associated with WML (p < 0.05). Our findings revealed that WMLs were associated with trunk stability in dual-task walking. Further studies are required to investigate the neural basis for deficits in gait ability among MCI subjects.

DOI： 10.1007/s11357-015-9858-x,

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OBJECTIVES: Motoric cognitive syndrome (MCR), a newly described predementia syndrome characterized by cognitive complaints and slow gait, is associated with increased risk of developing dementia. Due to the potential differences in health, behavioral, and lifestyle factors between races that can influence dementia risk, it is important to examine risk factors for MCR in different countries. This study aimed to report the prevalence as well as modifiable factors associated with MCR in Japanese community-dwelling older adults. DESIGN: A cross-sectional design. SETTING: General community. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 9683 older adults (52% women, mean age: 73.6 years) participating in the National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology Study of Geriatric Syndromes. MEASUREMENTS: Participants were screened for presence of MCR at baseline. The association of selected modifiable risk factors (medical illness, depressive symptoms, and falls) and lifestyle variables (obesity, physical inactivity, smoking, and alcohol consumption) with MCR was examined using multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: At cross-section, 619 participants met criteria for MCR, with an overall prevalence 6.4% (95% CI 5.9-6.9). A higher prevalence of MCR was seen with advancing age (P < .001), but there were no sex differences. Diabetes (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 1.47, P = .001), depressive symptoms (OR 3.57, P < .001), and falls (OR 1.45, P < .001) were associated with increased risk of MCR. Among the lifestyle factors, obesity (OR 1.26, P = .018) and physical inactivity (OR 1.57, P < .001) were associated with increased risk of MCR. CONCLUSION: MCR is common in the elderly Japanese population. The potentially modifiable risk and lifestyle factors identified for MCR should be further studied to develop interventions.

DOI： 10.1016/j.jamda.2015.09.003

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BACKGROUND: Depressive symptoms and memory problems are significant risk factors for dementia. Exercise can reduce depressive symptoms and improve cognitive function in older people. In addition, the benefits of horticultural activity on physical and mental well-being have been demonstrated in people with dementia. Although evidence of such non-pharmacological interventions is mounting, no studies have examined whether physical exercise and horticultural activity exert a positive impact on brain and mental health (e.g., depressive symptoms) in non-demented older adults at high risk of cognitive impairment and depression. Therefore, we propose a randomized controlled trial to assess the efficacy and efficiency of physical exercise and horticultural activity in improving brain and mental health in community-dwelling older adults with memory problems and depressive symptoms. METHODS/DESIGN: The 20-week randomized controlled trial will include 90 community-dwelling adults aged 65 years or older with memory problems and depressive symptoms. Participants will be randomized to one of three experiments: exercise, horticultural activity, or educational control group, using a 1:1:1 allocation ratio. The combined exercise program and horticultural activity program will consist of 20 weekly 90-minute sessions. Participants in the exercise group will practice aerobic exercise, muscle strength training, postural balance retraining, and dual-task training. The horticultural activity program will include crop-related activities, such as field cultivation, growing, and harvesting. Participants in the educational control group will attend two 90-minute educational classes during the 6-month trial period. Depressive symptoms and memory performance will be measured by the Geriatric Depression Scale-15, and the Logical Memory subtests of the Wechsler Memory Scale-Revised will be used to measure depressive symptoms and memory performance as primary outcomes, at baseline (prior to randomization), immediately following intervention (6 months from baseline), and 6 months after intervention. Hippocampal volume will be measured at baseline and immediately after intervention, using magnetic resonance imaging. Secondary outcomes will comprise cognitive function, including language, attention/executive performance, and processing speed; brain-derived neurotrophic-factor serum levels; and health-related quality of life. DISCUSSION: This intervention study will determine the clinical importance and efficacy of physical exercise and horticultural activity as non-pharmacological interventions in community-dwelling older adults at high risk of poor brain and mental health. TRIAL REGISTRATION: UMIN000018547 ; registered 7 August 2015.

DOI： 10.1186/s13063-015-1032-3,

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OBJECTIVE: To determine social frailty status using simple questions and to examine the association between social frailty and disability onset among community-dwelling older adults. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: Japanese community. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 4304 adults age >/=65 years living in the community participated in a baseline assessment from 2011 to 2012. They were followed monthly for incident certification of care needs during the 2 years after the baseline assessment. MEASUREMENTS: Care-needs certification in the national long-term care insurance system of Japan; a self-reported questionnaire including 7 items to define social frailty status, adjustment for several potential confounders such as demographic characteristics; and Kaplan-Meier survival curves for disability incidence by social frailty. RESULTS: During the 2 years, 144 participants (3.3%) were certified as requiring long-term care insurance in accordance with incident disability. Five of the 7 items in the self-reported questionnaire were significantly associated with disability incidence. In the adjusted model including potential covariates, participants who were defined as having social frailty (>/=2/5) (hazard ratio 1.66, 95% confidence interval 1.00-2.74) and prefrailty (=1/5) (hazard ratio 1.53, 95% confidence interval 1.02-2.531), based on 5 items at the baseline assessment, had an increased risk of disability compared with nonfrail participants (=0/5). CONCLUSIONS: Social frailty, assessed using simple questions regarding living alone, going out less frequently compared with the prior year, visiting friends sometimes, feeling helpful to friends or family, and talking with someone every day, has a strong impact on the risk of future disability among community-dwelling older people.

DOI： 10.1016/j.jamda.2015.08.023

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OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationship between physical frailty and risk of disability, and to identify the component(s) of frailty with the most impact on disability in community-dwelling older adults. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: A Japanese community. PARTICIPANTS: 4341 older adults aged >/=65 living in the community participated in a baseline assessment from 2011 to 2012 and were followed for 2 years. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Care-needs certification in the national long-term care insurance (LTCI) system of Japan, type of physical frailty (robust, prefrail, frail) and subitems (slowness, weakness, exhaustion, low activity, weight loss), adjusted for several potential confounders such as demographic characteristics, analysed with Kaplan-Meier survival curves for incidence of disability by frailty phenotype. RESULTS: During the 2-year follow-up period, 168 participants (3.9%) began using the LTCI system for incidence of disability. Participants classified as frail (HR 4.65, 95% CI 2.63 to 8.22) or prefrail (2.52, 1.56 to 4.07) at the baseline assessment had an increased risk of disability incidence compared with robust participants. Analyses for subitems of frailty showed that slowness (2.32, 1.62 to 3.33), weakness (1.90, 1.35 to 2.68) and weight loss (1.61, 1.13 to 2.31) were related to increased risk of disability incidence. In stratified analyses, participants who were classified as frail and who had lower cognitive function had the highest percentage (30.3%) of disability incidence during the 2 years after baseline assessment. CONCLUSIONS: Physical frailty, even being prefrail, had a strong impact on the risk of future disability. Some components of frailty, such as slowness, weakness and weight loss, are strongly associated with incident disability in community-dwelling older adults.

DOI： 10.1136/bmjopen-2015-008462

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DOI： 10.1111/jgs.13623

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BACKGROUND/AIMS: An understanding of the association between gray matter volume and executive functioning could provide strategies to reduce dementia risk in older people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). METHODS: In a cross-sectional analysis, we assessed executive functioning in 83 older people with MCI using three standard neuropsychological tests: set shifting (difference between Trail Making Test Parts B and A), working memory (difference between Digit Span forward and backward from the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-IV), and selective attention/response inhibition (difference between the second and third conditions of the color- and picture-word Stroop test). Gray matter volume was computed from brain MRIs and SIENAX from FSL software. RESULTS: Gray matter volume was significantly associated with set-shifting performance after accounting for age, gender, body mass index, education, and global cognition (standardized beta = -0.376, p = 0.001), but not with working memory or selective attention/response inhibition. CONCLUSION: The executive function of set-shifting ability was correlated with gray matter volume in older people with MCI.

DOI： 10.1159/000438721,

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OBJECTIVE: To identify the differences of incidence of disability between frail older persons with and without slow walking speed. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: Japanese community. PARTICIPANTS: A total of l4,081 older adults aged >/=65 years living in the community, participated in a baseline assessment and were followed for incidence of disability for 29.5 months. MEASUREMENTS: Care-needs certification in the national long-term care insurance system of Japan, physical frailty (slow walking speed, muscle weakness, exhaustion, low activity, weight loss), adjusted for several potential confounders such as demographic characteristics; Kaplan-Meier survival curves for incident disability by physical frailty with and without slow walking speed. RESULTS: During the follow-up period, 198 participants (4.9%) were certified as requiring long-term care insurance in accordance with incident disability. Participants who had prefrailty without slow walking speed (hazard ratio 1.86, 95% confidence interval 1.19-2.92), prefrailty with slow walking speed (3.62, 2.19-5.96), frailty without slow walking speed (4.33, 2.00-9.39), and frailty with slow walking speed (4.68, 2.72-8.05) at the baseline assessment had an increased risk of incident disability compared with nonfrail participants. In stratified analyses, frail older men and frail participants with low cognitive performance had the highest risk of incidence of disability. CONCLUSION: The presence of frailty or even prefrailty when older adults showed slow walking speed increased the risk of future disability in community-dwelling older adults.

DOI： 10.1016/j.jamda.2015.03.019

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AIM: To examine the association of the combination of slow gait and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) with cognitive function and falling in community-dwelling older people. METHODS: Participants were selected from the Obu Study of Health Promotion for the Elderly (n = 3400), and underwent gait examination and a battery of neuropsychological examinations, including the Mini-Mental State Examination and the National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology Functional Assessment Tool (tablet version of Trail Making Test Part A and B, Symbol Digit Substitution Task, Figure selection task, Word memory and Story memory), and were interviewed with a series of questionnaires including medical history, physical activity, geriatric depression scale and fall history. RESULTS: Participants were classified into control (n = 2281), slow gait speed (SG; n = 278), MCI (n = 673) and MCI with SG (MCI+SG; n = 168) groups. All cognitive functions were significantly affected by the group factor, even adjusting for participant characteristics as covariates (P < 0.001). Post-hoc analysis showed that the control group had better performance than the other groups, and the MCI+SG group had worse performance than the other groups in all cognitive functions (all P < 0.05). In multiple logistic regression analysis, SG and MCI were independently associated with falling (all P < 0.05), and MCI+SG had a higher odds ratio for falling (adjusted OR 1.99, 95% CI 1.08-3.65). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings support the idea that slow gait and MCI were related, and concurrently associated with falling. Motor function among MCI subjects should be focused on to assess profile risks.

DOI： 10.1111/ggi.12407

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OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationships between smoking status and various domains of cognitive function in community-dwelling elderly subjects. METHODS: Participants (N = 4348) were asked about smoking status, demographic variables, and lifestyle factors, and underwent multidimensional neurocognitive tests. RESULTS: All analyses were conducted separately by sex. Women never smokers exhibited significantly better scores than past and/or current smokers in some neurocognitive tests. Among men, never smokers had significantly higher scores, such as in the Symbol Digit Substitution Test. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that pack-years (history of smoking) were significantly associated with the Symbol Digit Substitution Test in men. CONCLUSIONS: Smoking status may be associated with a decline in processing speed, and this decline varies by sex.

DOI： 10.5993/AJHB.39.3.1

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AIM: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is conceptualized as prodromal of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Declined physical function is one of the risk factors for progression to AD, whereas genetic factors, especially the apolipoprotein E epsilon4 allele (APOE4), also contribute to the risk of AD and affect the risk factors. However, the association between APOE4 and physical function in MCI is still unclear. To elucidate the association, we carried out the present study to compare physical function between APOE4 carriers and non-carriers in MCI. METHODS: The study included 386 MCI patients (mean age 71.6 years) who were classified into APOE4 carrier and non-carrier groups. The participants' characteristics were assessed by face-to-face interviews. Grip strength, five chair stand test, walking speed and 6-min walking test were measured as physical functions. RESULTS: In univariate analysis, the APOE4 carrier group had decreased walking speed compared with the non-carrier group (P < 0.05), but other measures of physical function were not significantly different between the groups. The linear regression model showed a significant association between walking speed and APOE4 after adjusting for covariates (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The present study showed that APOE4 carrier participants with MCI had decreased walking speed compared with non-carrier participants. Thus, APOE4 genotypes should be considered as a potential mediator when the measure of walking speed is used as a risk factor of dementia in older adults with MCI. Further studies using prospective data are required to clarify the relationship between physical function and genetic factors in MCI.

DOI： 10.1111/ggi.12291

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OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between chronic kidney disease (CKD) and cognitive decline in community-dwelling older adults without dementia. DESIGN: Cross-sectional. SETTING: Obu Study of Health Promotion for the Elderly in Japan. PARTICIPANTS: The participants were 4686 residents (community-dwelling older adults without dementia) who completed baseline assessments. MEASUREMENTS: The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR, mL/min/1.73 m(2)) was determined according to the creatinine level, and participants were classified into three mutually exclusive categories: normal (>/=60.0 mL/min/1.73 m(2)), mild CKD (45.0-59.9 mL/min/1.73 m(2)), or moderate to severe CKD (<45.0 mL/min/1.73 m(2)). Cognitive function was assessed using the National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology-Functional Assessment Tool. Multivariate logistic regression was used to examine the relationships between eGFR and cognitive decline. RESULTS: After multivariate adjustment, participants with lower eGFR had lower cognitive function scores on most domains (P < .05). In particular, participants with advanced CKD (eGFR <45 mL/min/1.73 m(2)) were more likely to have significant cognitive decline on the Trail Making Test part A (odds ratio = 2.347, 95% confidence interval = 1.525-3.614) and the Symbol Digit Substitution Task (odds ratio = 2.308, 95% confidence interval = 1.486-3.585) than those with normal and mild CKD. CONCLUSIONS: A lower level of kidney function was associated with lower cognitive performance in attention and processing speed. These results suggest that eGFR might be an effective method to screen for cognitive decline in community-dwelling older adults.

DOI： 10.1016/j.jamda.2014.12.009

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OBJECTIVE: To examine whether the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) score on admission and after 1 month can be used to predict the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) walking level 6 or 7 (modified independent and independent gait respectively) after 3 months and to determine the optimal BBS cut-off score for predicting independent gait among inpatients with first stroke in a rehabilitation facility. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Inpatient rehabilitation facility (Kaifukuki). PARTICIPANTS: Two hundred fifty-one consecutive patients with first stroke and nonindependent gait on admission. OUTCOME MEASURES: BBS on admission and after 1 month and FIM on admission and after 3 months. RESULTS: Area under the receiver operating characteristic curves for predicting independent gait after 3 months were 0.81 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.75-0.88) for BBS score on admission; the optimal cut-off score being >/=13 (63% sensitivity; 90% specificity). Achieving greater cut-off score on admission was significantly associated with subsequent independent gait (odds ratio, 9.7; 95% CI, 4.38-21.36; P < .001). A subanalysis of patients with poor balance on admission (BBS score <13; n = 191) showed area under the receiver operating characteristic curves for predicting independent gait after 3 months of 0.88 (95% CI, 0.80-0.95) for BBS scores 1 month after admission. In this subgroup, BBS scores at 1 month of >/=27 were significantly associated with subsequent independent gait (odds ratio, 21.6, 95% CI, 6.40-73.20; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Admission BBS scores predicted FIM walking level 6 or 7, which denotes modified independent or independent gait, after 3 months, the optimal cut-off for BBS scores being >/=13 among inpatients with first stroke in a rehabilitation facility. Patients with poor balance on admission whose BBS scores had improved to >/=27 at 1 month after admission were likely to achieve modified independent or independent gait within 3 months after admission.

DOI： 10.1016/j.pmrj.2015.01.009

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BACKGROUND: Greater physical activity (PA) is associated with better memory performance and greater hippocampal volume in older adults. However, most studies to date assessed PA via questionnaires and thereby lacked objective characterization of PA (eg, intensity, duration, etc.). Thus, we currently do not have a comprehensive understanding of PA characteristics that are important for neuroprotection, especially among older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Thus, using triaxial accelerometers, we examined the association between light- and moderate-intensity PA, total duration of PA, hippocampal volume, and memory in older adults with MCI. METHODS: This cross-sectional study involved 310 older adults with MCI who completed neuropsychological tests of memory, and structural magnetic resonance imaging. Participants were instructed to wear the accelerometer on an elastic band on their hip at all times for 2 weeks. Average daily duration of light, moderate, and total PA (min/day) was calculated. RESULTS: Moderate PA was associated with hippocampal volume (beta = .167, p = .003) after controlling for age, but light PA (beta = -.021, p = .713) and total PA (beta = .011, p = .844) were not. Both light and moderate PAs were not associated with memory performance. Structural equation modeling demonstrated that moderate PA was not directly associated with memory but significantly contributed to hippocampal volume; hippocampal volume loss was significantly and directly associated with poor memory performance. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the benefits of moderate PA on memory among older adults with MCI are mediated by hippocampal volume. Furthermore, light PA may not reduce dementia risk among older adults with MCI.

DOI： 10.1093/gerona/glu136

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Our aim was to determine whether baseline measures of cognitive functioning, walking speed, and depressive status are independent predictors of limitations in instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) in older adults. The cross-sectional study involved 1329 community-dwelling adults, aged 75 years or older. At baseline, the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Symbol Digit Substitution Test (SDST), Geriatric Depressive Scale (GDS), and a word list memory task were completed, and self-reported IADLs and walking speed were recorded. The longitudinal study involved 948 participants without baseline IADL limitation, which was assessed at baseline and 15-month follow up, using the three Kihon Checklist subitems. In cross-sectional analyses, participants with IADL limitation demonstrated greater GDS scores, slower walking speeds, and lower MMSE, word list memory task, and SDST (only for women) scores relative to those without IADL limitation. In the longitudinal analyses, baseline walking speed (men: OR 0.98; women: OR 0.97, p<0.05) and word list memory task scores (men: OR 0.84; women: OR 0.83, p<0.05) in both sexes and SDST scores in women (OR 0.96, p=0.04) were independent predictors of subsequent IADL limitation. Walking speed, memory, and processing speed may be independent predictors of IADL limitation in older adults.

DOI： 10.3390/ijerph120303002

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OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine whether frailty is an important and independent predictor of incident depressive symptoms in elderly people without depressive symptoms at baseline. DESIGN: Fifteen-month prospective study. SETTING: General community in Japan. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 3025 community-dwelling elderly people aged 65 years or over without depressive symptoms at baseline. MEASUREMENTS: The self-rated 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale was used to assess symptoms of depression with a score of 6 or more at baseline and 15-month follow-up. Participants underwent a structural interview designed to obtain demographic factors and frailty status, and completed cognitive testing with the Mini-Mental State Examination and physical performance testing with the Short Physical Performance Battery as potential predictors. RESULTS: At a 15-month follow-up survey, 226 participants (7.5%) reported the development of depressive symptoms. We found that frailty and poor self-rated general health (adjusted odds ratio 1.86, 95% confidence interval 1.30-2.66, P < .01) were independent predictors of incident depressive symptoms. The odds ratio for depressive symptoms in participants with frailty compared with robust participants was 1.86 (95% confidence interval 1.05-3.28, P = .03) after adjusting for demographic factors, self-rated general health, behavior, living arrangements, Mini-Mental State Examination, Short Physical Performance Battery, and Geriatric Depression Scale scores at baseline. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggested that frailty and poor self-rated general health were independent predictors of depressive symptoms in community-dwelling elderly people.

DOI： 10.1016/j.jamda.2014.08.017

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The decrease in serum insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-I) with aging is related to the neurobiological processes in Alzheimer's disease. IGF-1 mediates effects of physical exercise on the brain, and cognition has a common pathophysiology with physical function, particularly with gait. The aim of this study was to examine whether mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and slow gait are associated with the serum IGF-1 level. A population survey was conducted in 3355 participants (mean age, 71.4 years). Cognitive functions (attention, executive function, processing speed, visuospatial skill, and memory), gait speed, and demographic variables were measured. All cognitive functions and gait speed were associated with the IGF-1 level (p < 0.001). The association of IGF-1 with slow gait was weakened by adjustment for covariates, but MCI and the combination of MCI and slow gait were independently related to the IGF-1 level in multivariate analysis (p < 0.05). Our findings support the association of a low IGF-1 level with reduced cognitive function and gait speed, particularly with a combination of MCI and slow gait.

DOI： 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2014.10.035

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Physical activity may help to prevent or delay brain atrophy. Numerous studies have shown associations between physical activity and age-related changes in the brain. However, most of these studies involved self-reported physical activity, not objectively measured physical activity. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the association between objectively measured physical activity, as determined using accelerometers, and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measures in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). We analyzed 323 older subjects with MCI (mean age 71.4 years) who were recruited from the participants of the Obu Study of Health Promotion for the Elderly. We recorded demographic data and measured physical activity using a tri-axial accelerometer. Physical activity was classified as light-intensity physical activity (LPA) or moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Brain atrophy and the severity of white matter lesions (WML) were determined by MRI. Low levels of LPA and MVPA were associated with severe WML. Subjects with severe WML were older, had lower mobility, and had greater brain atrophy than subjects with mild WML (all P<0.05). Multivariate analysis revealed that more MVPA was associated with less brain atrophy, even after adjustment for WML (beta=-0.126, P=0.015), but LPA was not (beta=-0.102, P=0.136). Our study revealed that objectively measured physical activity, especially MVPA, was associated with brain atrophy in MCI subjects, even after adjusting for WML. These findings support the hypothesis that physical activity plays a crucial role in maintaining brain health.

DOI： 10.1016/j.exger.2014.12.011

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OBJECTIVE: The aim of this cross-sectional study was to determine the associations between self-reported subjective physical and cognitive age, and actual physical and cognitive functions among community-dwelling older people aged 75 years and older. METHOD: The sample comprised 275 older adults aged 75-91 years. Two questions were asked regarding subjective age: 'How old do you feel physically?' and 'How old do you feel cognitively?' To assess physical functions, we measured handgrip strength, knee extension strength, standing balance and walking speed. Tests of attention, executive function, processing speed and memory were performed to assess actual cognitive function. RESULTS: Subjective physical and cognitive age was associated with performance on all of the physical and cognitive tests, respectively (p < 0.01). We also found that older adults who reported themselves as feeling older than their chronological age had a slower walking speed and lower scores for word-list memory recall than those who did not report themselves as feeling older than their actual age. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that promoting a fast walking speed and good memory function may help to maintain a younger subjective physical and cognitive age in older adults aged 75 years and older.

DOI： 10.1080/13607863.2014.967169

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[Purpose] Older adults experience exhaustion-induced health problems, such as poor physical function and low physical activity levels. The associations between self-reported exhaustion and physical function and activity are not clear in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between self-reported exhaustion and physical function and activity in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. [Subjects] A total of 356 older adults with mild cognitive impairment (mean age = 71.6 +/- 0.3 years, 50.8% women) were included in this study. [Methods] Self-reported exhaustion was identified by one item from the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures index. Gait speed, gait endurance, and life space were also assessed. [Results] Sixty-two participants reported having exhaustion, giving a 17.4% prevalence of self-reported exhaustion among these individuals. Logistic regression analysis showed that the Life-Space Assessment score was the only parameter significantly independently associated with exhaustion status (adjusted odds ratio 0.97, 95% confidence interval 0.95-0.99). [Conclusion] These results suggest that self-reported exhaustion is associated with life space. Future research is needed to identify ways for older people with MCI to improve their exhaustion status.

DOI： 10.1589/jpts.26.1979,

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Many longitudinal studies have found that older adults with depressive symptoms or depression have increased risk of cognitive impairment. We investigated the relationships between depressive symptoms or depression, cognitive function, serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and volumetric MRI measurements in older adults. A total of 4352 individuals aged 65 years or older (mean age 72 years) participated in the study. We investigated medical history and geriatric depression scale-15 (GDS-15) items to determine depression and depressive symptoms. Cognitive tests included the mini-mental state examination (MMSE), story memory, word list memory, trail-making tests, and the symbol digit substitution task. Of the 4352 participants, 570 (13%) fulfilled the criteria for depressive symptoms (GDS-15: 6 + points) and 87 (2%) were diagnosed with depression. All cognitive tests showed significant differences between the 'no depressive symptoms', 'depressive symptoms', and 'depression' groups. The 'depressive symptoms' and 'depression' groups showed lower serum BDNF (p < 0.001) concentrations than the 'no depressive symptoms' group. The 'depressive symptoms' group exhibited greater atrophy of the right medial temporal lobe than did the 'no depressive symptoms' group (p = 0.023). These results suggest that memory, executive function, and processing speed examinations are useful to identify cognitive decline in older adults who have depressive symptoms and depression. Serum BDNF concentration and atrophy of the right medial temporal lobe may in part mediate the relationships between depressive symptoms and cognitive decline.

DOI： 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2014.06.004

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Growing evidence supports the relationships between depressive symptoms, cognitive decline, and brain structural changes in older adults. The purpose of this study was to determine whether depressive symptoms are related to cerebral oxygenation during cognitive tasks in older adults. In this study, 80 elderly subjects (73.9 +/- 5.4 years, 34 males) were evaluated using multi-channel Near-infrared spectroscopy. Concentration changes (mmolcm/l) in oxy-hemoglobin (oxy-Hb), as the most reliable available indicator of changes in regional cerebral blood flow, in the right and left prefrontal cortex were measured during the Trail Making Test Part B (TMT-B). Depressive symptoms were assessed using the short Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). Subjects were divided into a depressive group (GDS greater than or equal to 6) and non-depressive group (GDS lower than 6). In results, Oxy-Hb activation during the TMT-B was significantly smaller in the depressive group (n=13) than in the non-depressive group (n=67) in both the right and left prefrontal cortex. In the multivariate analysis, GDS scores were significantly negatively correlated with oxy-Hb activation after adjusting for age, gender and educational history (right, beta=-0.32, p=0.002; left, beta=-0.25, p=0.02). Less prefrontal activation in older adults with depressive symptoms may account for decline in executive function. Further studies are needed to investigate the influence of the less brain activation associated with depressive symptoms on future cognitive decline and structural brain changes in older adults.

DOI： 10.1016/j.archger.2014.07.003

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The purpose of this study was to examine whether the combined factors of physical performance, depressive symptoms and cognitive status are significantly associated with a history of falling in community-dwelling elderly. We performed a cross-sectional community-based survey, the OSHPE, from August 2011 to February 2012. In total, 5104 community-dwelling older adults aged 65 years and older (mean age 72.0) participated in the OSHPE. Participants underwent a grip strength (GS) test, chair stand test (CST), Timed Up & Go (TUG) test, Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Of the 4481 participants who met our requirements, 645 (14.4%) participants reported falling at least once in the past year. In a signal detection analysis (SDA), we found that the combination of GDS (>/=6 points) and TUG (>/=10.6 s) had the highest fall rate (36.4%), and the combination of GDS (<6 points) and CST (<11.1 s) had the lowest fall rate (11.7%). The highest fall rate group had a significantly higher odds ratio (OR) compared with the lowest fall rate group after adjusting for other potentially confounding variables [OR 3.12 (95% confidence interval (CI) 2.08-4.68) p<0.001]. The combination of depressive symptoms, TUG, and CST performance was strongly associated with a history of falling in community-dwelling elderly.

DOI： 10.1016/j.archger.2014.01.001

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OBJECTIVES: Few studies have reported the relationship between fear of falling (FoF) and mild and global cognitive impairment in community-dwelling older adults. We aimed to determine whether the status of cognitive impairment affects the prevalence of FoF in community-dwelling older adults. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study among 4474 community-dwelling older adults who participated in the Obu Study of Health Promotion for the Elderly. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Participants underwent cognitive tests and were divided into three groups: cognitive healthy, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and global cognitive impairment (GCI). FoF and related variables, such as fall history, physical function, and depression, were also investigated. RESULTS: The prevalence of FoF was significantly different by group (p<0.001; healthy: 43.6%, MCI: 50.6%, GCI: 40.6%). Logistic regression analysis showed that GCI (odds ratio=0.63; 95% confidence interval=0.526-0.76) was independently associated with FoF, after controlling for confounding factors. Older adults with GCI showed the lowest prevalence of FoF, although they had the lowest physical function comparing with the other groups (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: MCI and GCI in community-dwelling older adults affect the prevalence of FoF in a completely different manner. Further study is required to determine whether insensitivity to FoF with GCI increases the risk of falling in older adults.

DOI： 10.1016/j.maturitas.2014.02.018

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BACKGROUND: Gait ability and cognitive function are interrelated during both normal walking (NW) and dual-task walking (DTW), and gait ability is thus adversely affected by cognitive impairment in both situations. However, this association is insufficiently understood in people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Here, we conducted a study with MCI participants, to examine whether the association depends on walking conditions and MCI subtypes. METHODS: We classified 389 elderly adults into amnestic MCI (n = 191) and non-amnestic MCI (n = 198), assessed their cognitive functions, and administered gait experiments under NW and DTW conditions. Gait ability was defined as gait speed. Five aspects of cognitive function were assessed: processing speed, executive function, working memory, verbal memory, and visual memory. RESULTS: Regression analysis adjusted for covariates showed a significant association between cognitive functions and gait speed. Processing speed and executive function correlated with gait speed during both NW and DTW (p < .05). Gait speed during DTW was also significantly associated with working memory (p < .001). Visual memory was associated during NW and DTW, particularly for amnestic MCI participants (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings support the idea that the association between gait speed and cognitive function depends on walking condition and MCI subtypes. Additional studies are necessary to determine the neural basis for the disruption in gait control in older adults with MCI.

DOI： 10.1186/1471-2377-14-67

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AIM: Several operative definitions and screening methods for sarcopenia have been proposed in previous studies; however, the opinions of researchers still differ. We compared the prevalence of sarcopenia using two different algorithms: (i) the European working group on sarcopenia in older people (EWGSOP)-suggested algorithm using gait speed as the first step; and (ii) the muscle mass and strength algorithm. METHODS: A population-based, cross-sectional survey of adults aged over 65 years was carried out. Data on a total of 4811 participants were available for analysis. Gait speed, grip strength and appendicular skeletal muscle mass were assessed to determine sarcopenia. Appendicular skeletal muscle mass was estimated from bioimpedance analysis measurements and expressed as skeletal muscle mass index. Grip strength and skeletal muscle mass index were considered to be low if they fell below the threshold of the lowest 20% of values measured in a subset of healthy subjects. We compared the prevalence rates of sarcopenia determined by the two algorithms. RESULTS: The prevalence rate of sarcopenia in a representative sample of older Japanese adults was 8.2% for men and 6.8% for women based on the EWGSOP algorithm. The two algorithms identified the same participants as sarcopenic, the only difference being the EWGSOP algorithm classified an additional seven participants (0.15%) into sarcopenia compared with the muscle mass and strength algorithm. CONCLUSION: It is debatable whether inclusion of gait speed is necessary when screening for sarcopenia in community-dwelling older adults. Future research should examine the necessity of including gait speed in algorithms and the validity of cut-off values.

DOI： 10.1111/ggi.12210

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Olfactory impairment constitutes one of the earliest signs of Alzheimer's disease in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. We investigated which aspects of neuropsychological measures are correlated with olfactory identification performance among older adults with mild cognitive impairment. Total of 220 participants with mild cognitive impairment (mean age 71.7 years) were examined. Odor identification was assessed using the Open Essence test. Participants underwent comprehensive neurocognitive evaluation, including measures of verbal memory, visual memory, working memory, attention/executive function, and processing speed. We examined associations between olfactory function and cognitive performance scores. Participants with severe hyposmia exhibited significantly poor verbal and visual memory performance, attention/executive function, and slower processing speed scores compared with those without severe hyposmia. In multivariable logistic regression models, better performance scores on verbal and visual memory were significantly associated with decreased likelihood of severe hyposmia after adjusting for age, sex, education, and other cognitive performance scores. These findings suggest that olfactory impairment might be more closely associated with memory loss compared with other aspects of cognitive functioning in mild cognitive impairment subjects.

DOI： 10.1093/chemse/bjt052

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OBJECTIVE: The clinical relationship between brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and cognitive function or mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is not well-understood. The purpose of this study was to identify the relationship between serum BDNF and cognitive function and MCI, and determine whether serum BDNF level might be a useful biomarker for assessing risk for MCI in older people. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 4463 individuals aged 65 years or older (mean age 72 years) participating in the study. We measured performance in a battery of neuropsychological and cognitive function tests; serum BDNF concentration. RESULTS: Eight hundred twenty-seven participants (18.8%) had MCI. After adjustment for sex, age, education level, diabetes, and current smoking, serum BDNF was associated with poorer performance in the story memory, and digit symbol substitution task scores. Serum BDNF was marginally associated with the presence of MCI (odds ratio, 95% confidence interval: 1.41, 1.00-1.99) when BDNF was 1.5 SD lower than the mean value standardized for sex and age, education level, diabetes, and current smoking. CONCLUSION: Low serum BDNF was associated with lower cognitive test scores and MCI. Future prospective studies should establish the discriminative value of serum BDNF for the risk of MCI.

DOI： 10.3389/fnagi.2014.00069

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AIM: This study sought to confirm the test-retest reliability and validity of the National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology functional assessment tool (NCGG-FAT), a newly developed assessment of multidimensional neurocognitive function using a tablet personal computer (PC). METHODS: This study included 20 community-dwelling older adults (9 females, aged 65-81 years). Participants were administered the NCGG-FAT twice, separated by approximately 30 days to determine test-retest reliability. To test the validity of the measure, participants underwent established neurocognitive measurements, including memory, attention, executive function, processing speed and visuospatial function within a week from the first administration of the NCGG-FAT. RESULTS: Test-retest reliability was in an acceptable range for each component of the NCGG-FAT, with intraclass correlation coefficients ranging from 0.764 to 0.942. Each task in the NCGG-FAT showed a moderate to high correlation with scores on widely-used conventional neurocognitive tests (r = 0.496 to 0.842). CONCLUSION: We found that the NCGG-FAT using a tablet PC was reliable in a sample of community-dwelling older adults. The NCGG-FAT might be useful for cognitive screening in population-based samples and outcomes, enabling assessment of the effects of intervention on multidimensional cognitive function among older adults.

DOI： 10.1111/ggi.12014

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BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Dual-task walking (DTW) is thought to involve activation of the prefrontal cortex in healthy adults and to be affected by cognitive impairment. However, it is unclear whether prefrontal cortex activation is involved in DTW in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. This study examined brain activation during DTW among older adults with mild cognitive impairment using functional near-infrared spectroscopy. METHODS: Sixteen older adults (aged 75.4 +/- 7.2 years, women n = 6) performed gait experiments under normal walking and DTW conditions. We used a design with 60-s blocks consisting of a 10-s rest standing as pre-resting period, a 20-s walking task period, and a 30-s rest standing as post-resting period. Walking speed was measured during a 20-s walking task. Changes in oxy-hemoglobin were measured in the prefrontal area during gait experiments. RESULTS: Walking speed was slower during DTW compared with normal walking (p < 0.001). The oxy-hemoglobin level during DTW was higher than during normal walking (p < 0.001) and was correlated with executive function, as measured by Stroop interference (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that DTW is associated with prefrontal activation among older adults with mild cognitive impairment. The brain activation during DTW was correlated with executive function. Additional studies are necessary to elucidate the effects of cognitive impairment on the association between prefrontal activity and walking under various conditions.

DOI： 10.1007/s40520-013-0119-5

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BACKGROUND: The risk of falling is associated with cognitive dysfunction. Older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) exhibit an accelerated reduction of brain volume, and face an increased risk of falling. The current study examined the relationship between baseline physical performance, baseline gray matter volume and falls during a 12-month follow-up period among community-dwelling older adults with MCI. METHODS: Forty-two older adults with MCI (75.6 years, 43% women) underwent structural magnetic resonance imaging and baseline physical performance assessment, including knee-extension strength, one-legged standing time, and walking speed with normal pace. 'Fallers' were defined as people who had one or more falls during the 12-month follow-up period. RESULTS: Of the 42 participants, 26.2% (n = 11) experienced at least one fall during the 12-month follow-up period. Fallers exhibited slower walking speed and shorter one-legged standing time compared with non-fallers (both p < .01). One-legged standing time (sec) (standardized odds ratio [95% confidence interval]: 0.89 [0.81, 0.98], p = .02) was associated with a significantly lower rate of falls during the 12-month follow-up after adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, and history of falling in the past year at baseline. Voxel-based morphometry was used to examine differences in baseline gray matter volume between fallers and non-fallers, revealing that fallers exhibited a significantly greater reduction in the bilateral middle frontal gyrus and superior frontal gyrus. CONCLUSIONS: Poor balance predicts falls over 12 months, and baseline lower gray matter densities in the middle frontal gyrus and superior frontal gyrus were associated with falls in older adults with MCI. Maintaining physical function, especially balance, and brain structural changes through many sorts of prevention strategies in the early stage of cognitive decline may contribute to decreasing the risk of falls in older adults with MCI.

DOI： 10.1186/1471-2377-13-102

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OBJECTIVE: Preventive strategies for frailty and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) are important for avoiding future functional decline and dementia in older adults. The purpose of this study was to use a population-based survey to ascertain the single and combined prevalence of frailty and MCI and to identify the relationships between frailty and MCI in older Japanese adults. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: General community. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 5104 older adults (aged 65 years or older, mean age 71 years) who were enrolled in the Obu Study of Health Promotion for the Elderly (OSHPE). MEASUREMENTS: Each participant underwent detailed physical and cognitive testing to assess frailty and MCI. We considered the frailty phenotype to be characterized by limitations in 3 or more of the following 5 domains: mobility, strength, endurance, physical activity, and nutrition. Screening for MCI included a standardized personal interview, the Mini-Mental State Examination, and the National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology-Functional Assessment Tool (NCGG-FAT), which included 8 tasks used to assess logical memory (immediate and delayed recognition), word list memory (immediate and delayed recall), attention and executive function (tablet version of Trail Making Test-part A and B), processing speed (tablet version of digit symbol substitution test), and visuospatial skill (figure selection). RESULTS: The overall prevalence of frailty, MCI, and frailty and MCI combined was 11.3%, 18.8%, and 2.7%, respectively. We found significant relationships between frailty and MCI (the odds ratio adjusted for age, sex, and education was 2.0 (95% confidence interval 1.5-2.5). CONCLUSIONS: Using the OSHPE criteria, we found more participants with MCI than with frailty. The prevalence of frailty and MCI combined was 2.7% in our population. Future investigation is necessary to determine whether this population is at increased risk for disability or mortality.

DOI： 10.1016/j.jamda.2013.03.010

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This study evaluated brain activity during unaccustomed treadmill walking using positron emission tomography (PET) and [(18)F]fluorodeoxyglucose. Twenty-four healthy elderly females (75-82 years) participated in this study. Two PET scans were performed after 25 min of rest and after walking for 25 min at 2.0 km/h on a treadmill. Participants were divided into low and high step-length variability groups according to the median coefficient of variation in step length during treadmill walking. We compared the regional changes in brain glucose metabolism between the two groups. The most prominent relative activations during treadmill walking compared to rest in both groups were found in the primary sensorimotor areas, occipital lobe, and anterior and posterior lobe of the cerebellum. The high step-length variability group showed significant relative deactivations in the frontal lobe and the inferior temporal gyrus during treadmill walking. There was a significant relative activation of the primary sensorimotor area in the low step-length variability group compared to the high step-length variability group (P = 0.022). Compared to the low step-length variability group, the high step-length variability group exhibited a greater relative deactivation in the white matter of the middle and superior temporal gyrus (P = 0.032) and hippocampus (P = 0.034) during treadmill walking compared to resting. These results suggest that activation of the primary sensorimotor area, prefrontal area, and temporal lobe, especially the hippocampus, is associated with gait adaptability during unaccustomed treadmill walking.

DOI： 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2012.11.008

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AIM: The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between dual-task performance and neurocognitive measures in community-dwelling older people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). METHODS: A total of 98 subjects (mean age 74.8 years, 52.0% female) participated in the study. We compared 36 participants with amnestic MCI (aMCI) with 62 participants with non-amnestic MCI (non-aMCI) on dual-task performance as measured by reaction time responses. The relationships between dual-task performance and multiple domains of neurocognitive functions, including general cognitive function, visual memory, working memory, executive function and processing speed, were examined. RESULTS: Although there were no statistically significant group differences in simple reaction times (P = 0.734), the aMCI group showed significantly slower dual-task reaction times than the non-aMCI group (P = 0.012). Using multiple regression analysis, we found that there was a significant relationship between executive function and dual-task reaction times (beta = 0.298, P = 0.006). CONCLUSION: These results showed that aMCI subjects showed a specific deficit in dual-task performance compared with non-aMCI subjects, and poor dual-task performance was associated with declines in executive function in older people with MCI. Future longitudinal and interventional studies should investigate the use of dual-task testing with varying levels of cognitive demand in older adults at risk of dementia.

DOI： 10.1111/j.1447-0594.2012.00898.x

PubMed

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AIM: The detection of the early stages in amnesic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) is considered important in diagnosing progression to Alzheimer's disease. The current study sought to investigate differences in cognitive function between control subjects with no memory loss (control), and subjects in the early stage of aMCI (EMCI) and late stage of aMCI (LMCI). METHODS: A total of 100 community-dwelling older adults aged 65 years and over were recruited from 1543 potential subjects. Subjects were classified into three groups based on the degree of objective memory impairment; control (n=29), EMCI (n=34) and LMCI (n=37). Multiple neuropsychological tests were carried out to examine cognitive function. RESULTS: The EMCI individuals showed lower cognitive function relative to controls; not only in logical memory, but also in letter fluency (P<0.05). There were no significant differences in neuropsychological scores between the EMCI and LMCI groups, except for category fluency and logical memory. In addition, the EMCI subjects' logical memory score showed a significant relationship with letter fluency, category fluency and digit span backward test performance (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the application of multiple neuropsychological tests might be useful in diagnosing older adults with EMCI and LMCI.

DOI： 10.1111/j.1447-0594.2012.00865.x

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Exercise training has been shown to increase physical function in the elderly. However, the effects of exercise on elderly individuals with amnestic aMCI are unclear. The aim of this RCT was to investigate the effect of multicomponent exercise on gait in the elderly. Fifty elderly individuals with aMCI (age: 65-92 years) participated in the study and were randomly allocated to a multicomponent exercise or control group. Multicomponent exercise training was performed for 90 min, twice a week over six months. Gait was analyzed at baseline and after the six month intervention. Gait analysis was performed on an eleven meter walkway at each subject's comfortable walking speed. A miniature tri-axial accelerometer was attached to the L3 spinous process and was used to analyze gait speed, stride length, stride time, and the harmonic ratio (HR) (representing the smoothness of trunk movement). There were no differences in the participant characteristics or gait parameters between the groups at baseline. After adjustment for covariates the multicomponent exercise program had a significant (p<0.05) effect on gait speed, stride length, and the vertical HR. Through improving gait, multicomponent exercise training improves the physical health of the elderly with aMCI.

DOI： 10.1016/j.archger.2012.09.003

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This study sought to investigate the relationship between going outdoor daily and prefrontal cortex activation during execution of the VFT using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) in community-dwelling older adults. Blood oxygenation changes in left and right prefrontal cortices were measured in twenty older adults (mean age 76.1 +/- 6.7 years) by NIRS during VFT performance. In this task, participants were required to pronounce as many nouns as possible beginning with the letters "Shi," "I," and "Re." Changes in oxygenated hemoglobin (oxy-Hb) levels during the VFT were compared between two groups defined by the frequency of going outdoors: daily or non-daily within a week. Participants in both groups exhibited significantly increased oxy-Hb levels in the left and right prefrontal cortices during the VFT compared to a resting baseline condition. After controlling for age and gender, there were significant group-by-condition interactions on oxy-Hb levels with less activation during the execution of the VFT over both cortices in the non-daily group (left: F=4.76, p=0.04; right: F=6.32, p=0.02). These findings indicate that going outdoors daily is associated with increased activation in the prefrontal cortices during VFT performance in community-dwelling older adults.

DOI： 10.1016/j.archger.2012.08.017

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AIM: Restriction of life-space is associated with physical performance and functional decline in older adults. Little is known about the factors associated with life-space in older adults with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI). The purpose of this study was to identify factors associated with life-space in older adults with aMCI. METHODS: The study participants were 69 older adults (mean age 74.5 years, males 56.5%) who were identified with aMCI. Life-space mobility was measured using a Japanese translation of the life-space assessment (LSA). Age, sex, cognitive function (general function, executive function and processing speed), physical performance, instrumental activities of daily living status (IADL) and fear of falling (FoF) were measured as potential relevant factors. RESULTS: Univariate analysis showed that the LSA was associated with FoF, sex, physical performance, processing speed and IADL. In the stepwise regression analysis, FoF, processing speed and IADL maintained a significant association with the LSA scores, although sex and physical performance did not reach significance. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that the restrictions of life-space in older adults with aMCI were more affected by the FoF, slower processing speed and restricted IADL than sex or physical performance.

DOI： 10.1111/j.1447-0594.2012.00878.x

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BACKGROUND: Although much evidence supports the hypothesis that cognitive function and physical function are interrelated, it is unclear whether cognitive decline with mild cognitive impairment influences trainability of physical performance in exercise intervention. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between cognitive function at baseline and change in physical performance after exercise intervention in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. METHODS: Forty-four older adults diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment based on the Peterson criteria (mean age 74.8 years) consented to and completed a 6-month twice weekly exercise intervention. The Timed Up and Go (TUG) test was used as a measure of physical performance. The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Trail Making Test Part B, Geriatric Depression Scale, baseline muscle strength of knee extension, and attendance rate of intervention, were measured as factors for predicting trainability. RESULTS: In the correlation analysis, the change in TUG showed modest correlations with attendance rate in the exercise program (r = -0.354, P = 0.027) and MMSE at baseline (r = -0.321, P = 0.034). A multiple regression analysis revealed that change in TUG was independently associated with attendance rate (beta = -0.322, P = 0.026) and MMSE score (beta = -0.295, P = 0.041), controlling for age and gender. CONCLUSION: General cognitive function was associated with improvements in physical performance after exercise intervention in subjects with mild cognitive impairment. Further research is needed to examine the effects of exercise programs designed to address cognitive obstacles in older adults with mild cognitive impairment.

DOI： 10.2147/CIA.S39434,

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AIMS: This study aimed to identify differences in the implementation of cognitive activities and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) between healthy individuals and subjects with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). METHODS: The study included 2,498 cognitively healthy subjects (mean age, 71.2 +/- 5.1 years) and 809 MCI subjects (mean age, 71.8 +/- 5.4 years). The subjects were interviewed regarding their participation in cognitive activities and the implementation of IADLs. RESULTS: We found a significant association between participation in any cognitive activities (p < 0.001), using a bus or a train (p < 0.001), and MCI. After adjusting for covariates, cognitive activity of any type remained significantly associated with MCI (p < 0.005) but not with the implementation of IADLs. CONCLUSIONS: Our study revealed that greater participation in cognitive activity was associated with lower odds of MCI. Participation in cognitive activities may reflect differences between healthy and MCI subjects. To clarify the causal relationship between cognitive activities and MCI, further studies are required.

DOI： 10.1159/000355553,

PubMed

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BACKGROUND/AIMS: High fitness levels play an important role in maintaining memory function and delaying the progression of structural brain changes in older people at risk of developing dementia. However, it is unclear which specific regions of the brain volume are associated with exercise capacity. We investigated whether exercise capacity, determined by a 6-min walking distance (6MWD), is associated with measures of logical and visual memory and where gray matter regions correlate with exercise capacity in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). METHODS: Ninety-one community-dwelling older adults with MCI completed a 6-min walking test, structural magnetic resonance imaging scanning, and memory tests. The Wechsler Memory Scale-Revised Logical Memory and Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Tests were used to assess logical and visual memory, respectively. RESULTS: The logical and visual memory tests were positively correlated with the 6MWD (p < 0.01). Poor performance in the 6MWD was correlated with a reduced cerebral gray matter volume in the left middle temporal gyrus, middle occipital gyrus, and hippocampus in older adults with MCI. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that a better 6MWD performance may be related to better memory function and the maintenance of gray matter volume in older adults with MCI.

DOI： 10.1159/000354189,

PubMed

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BACKGROUND: To examine the effect of multicomponent exercise program on memory function in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and identify biomarkers associated with improvement of cognitive functions. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Subjects were 100 older adults (mean age, 75 years) with MCI. The subjects were classified to an amnestic MCI group (n = 50) with neuroimaging measures, and other MCI group (n = 50) before the randomization. Subjects in each group were randomized to either a multicomponent exercise or an education control group using a ratio of 1ratio1. The exercise group exercised for 90 min/d, 2 d/wk, 40 times for 6 months. The exercise program was conducted under multitask conditions to stimulate attention and memory. The control group attended two education classes. A repeated-measures ANOVA revealed that no group x time interactions on the cognitive tests and brain atrophy in MCI patients. A sub-analysis of amnestic MCI patients for group x time interactions revealed that the exercise group exhibited significantly better Mini-Mental State Examination (p = .04) and logical memory scores (p = .04), and reducing whole brain cortical atrophy (p<.05) compared to the control group. Low total cholesterol levels before the intervention were associated with an improvement of logical memory scores (p<.05), and a higher level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor was significantly related to improved ADAS-cog scores (p<.05). CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: The results suggested that an exercise intervention is beneficial for improving logical memory and maintaining general cognitive function and reducing whole brain cortical atrophy in older adults with amnestic MCI. Low total cholesterol and higher brain-derived neurotrophic factor may predict improvement of cognitive functions in older adults with MCI. Further studies are required to determine the positive effects of exercise on cognitive function in older adults with MCI. TRIAL REGISTRATION: UMIN-CTR UMIN000003662 ctr.cgi&quest;function&hairsp;&equals;&hairsp;brows&action&hairsp;&equals;&hairsp ;brows&type&hairsp;&equals;&hairsp;summary&recptno&hairsp;&equals;&hairsp;R000004 436&language&hairsp;&equals;&hairsp;J.

DOI： 10.1371/journal.pone.0061483,

PubMed

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OBJECTIVES: To identify appropriate clinical tests for determining the demand for personal care in older Japanese people. DESIGN: Cross-sectional observation study. SETTING: Obu Study of Health Promotion for the Elderly (Obu, Aichi) and Tsukui Ordered Useful Care for Health (241 day-care centres) cohorts in Japan. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 10 351 individuals aged 65 years or older (6791 with personal care and 3560 without personal care) participated in the study. MEASURES: Physical performance tests included grip strength, the chair stand test, walking speed at a comfortable pace, and the timed up-and-go test. Personal care was defined as participants who had been certified in the national social long-term care insurance in Japan. RESULTS: Individuals who received personal care showed a significantly poorer performance than those without personal care for all physical performance tests (p<0.001). Gait speed was the most useful of the physical performance tests to determine the demand for personal care (receiver operating characteristic curve statistics: men, 0.92; women, 0.94; sensitivity: men, 86; women, 90; specificity: men, 85; women, 85). After adjustment for age, sex, cognitive impairment and other physical tests, all physical performance tests were individually associated with the demand for personal care. A slow gait speed (<1 m/s) was more strongly correlated with the demand for personal care than other performance measures (gait speed OR: 5.9; 95% CI: 5.0 to 6.9). CONCLUSIONS: Clinical tests of physical performance are associated with the demand for personal care in older people. Preventive strategies to maintain physical independence may be required in older adults who show a gait speed slower than 1 m/s. Further research is necessary to confirm these preliminary results.

DOI： 10.1136/bmjopen-2012-002424

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BACKGROUND AND AIMS: There has been much interest in exercise interventions as a primary behavioral prevention strategy against cognitive decline. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a multicomponent exercise program on physical and dual-task performances in community-dwelling older adults with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI). METHODS: Fifty older adults (23 women) with aMCI (mean age, 76 years) were randomized to an intervention (n=25) or a control group (n=25). The intervention group received a multicomponent exercise program for 90 minutes/day, 2 days/week, or 40 times over six months. The multicomponent exercises included aerobic exercise, muscle strength training and postural balance retraining, which was conducted under multi-task conditions to stimulate attention and memory. Participants in the control group attended two health promotion education classes within six months. Physical and dual-task performances were measured before randomization and after six months. Dual-task performances using reaction times with balance and cognitive demands were measured. RESULTS: The improvement effects on dual-task performances with both balance and cognitive demands were not statistically significant: reaction time with balance demand F1,45=3.3, p=0.07, and cognitive demand F1,45=2.6, p=0.12. However, there was a significant group-by-time interaction on maximal walking speed, which decreased significantly in the control group (F1,45=5.9, p=0.02). CONCLUSION: This six-month multicomponent exercise program improved maximal walking speed in older adults with aMCI; however, it did not improve dual-task performances assessed by reaction times.

DOI： 10.3275/8760

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UNLABELLED: BACKGROUND: To examine the effects of a multicomponent exercise program on the cognitive function of older adults with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI). METHODS: DESIGN: Twelve months, randomized controlled trial; SETTING: Community center in Japan; PARTICIPANTS: Fifty older adults (27 men) with aMCI ranging in age from 65 to 93 years (mean age, 75 years); INTERVENTION: Subjects were randomized into either a multicomponent exercise (n = 25) or an education control group (n = 25). Subjects in the multicomponent exercise group exercised under the supervision of physiotherapists for 90 min/d, 2 d/wk, for a total of 80 times over 12 months. The exercises included aerobic exercises, muscle strength training, and postural balance retraining, and were conducted using multiple conditions to stimulate cognitive functions. Subjects in the control group attended three education classes regarding health during the 12-month period. MEASUREMENTS were administered before, after the 6-month, and after the 12-month intervention period; MEASUREMENTS: The performance measures included the mini-mental state examination, logical memory subtest of the Wechsler memory scale-revised, digit symbol coding test, letter and categorical verbal fluency test, and the Stroop color word test. RESULTS: The mean adherence to the exercise program was 79.2%. Improvements of cognitive function following multicomponent exercise were superior at treatment end (group x time interactions for the mini-mental state examination (P = 0.04), logical memory of immediate recall (P = 0.03), and letter verbal fluency test (P = 0.02)). The logical memory of delayed recall, digit symbol coding, and Stroop color word test showed main effects of time, although there were no group x time interactions. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that exercise improves or supports, at least partly, cognitive performance in older adults with aMCI.

DOI： 10.1186/1471-2377-12-128

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BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Many studies have suggested that social network, leisure activity, and physical activity can have protective effects against dementia and Alzheimer's disease. However, previous studies have not examined the relationship between daily activities and brain atrophy in older adults. This study aimed to explore what kind of daily activities were associated with atrophy of the medial temporal area including the entorhinal cortex (MTA-ERC) in older adults. METHODS: In total, 122 older adults (aged 65 and over) with subjective memory complaints or a Clinical Dementia Rating of 0.5 underwent magnetic resonance imaging, and MTA-ERC atrophy was assessed by the voxel- based morphometry method. Based on magnetic resonance imaging data, the subjects were divided into atrophy and non-atrophy groups. Daily activities were assessed using a 20-item questionnaire (e.g., instrumental activities of daily living, social activities), and we compared activity participation between the groups. RESULTS: The atrophy group (n=37) showed significantly lower participation in 4 out of 20 activity items (cleaning, intellectual activity, culture lessons, and using a personal computer) than the non-atrophy group (n=85). Summed scores of these 4 items (range from 0 to 4) were significantly associated with MTA-ERC atrophy even after adjustment for age, sex, education status, and Mini-Mental State Examination score. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, MTAERC atrophy was associated with cognitive activities or household-related activities requiring planning.

DOI： 10.3275/8297

PubMed

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BACKGROUND: Dual-task walking is believed to be more cognitively demanding than normal walking and alters trunk movement among older adults. However, the possible association between brain atrophy and spatiotemporal gait parameters, particularly during dual-task walking, is poorly understood. In this study, we examined the relationship between dual-task walking and brain atrophy. METHODS: One hundred ten elderly adults (aged 65-94 years, women n = 55) underwent magnetic resonance imaging scanning and gait experiments under normal and dual-task walking conditions. Linear accelerations of the trunk were measured in vertical, anteroposterior, and mediolateral directions using a triaxial accelerometer attached to the lower trunk. Gait speed, stride length, and cadence were recorded. The harmonic ratio, a measure of trunk stability, was computed separately in each direction to evaluate the smoothness of trunk movement during walking. Brain atrophy was quantitatively assessed using magnetic resonance image data. RESULTS: Gait speed, stride length, cadence, and harmonic ratio in all directions were lower in dual-task walking than in normal walking (p < .05). The dual-task-related changes in harmonic ratio were independently correlated with brain atrophy adjusted for subject characteristics only in the vertical direction (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings support the hypothesis that dual-task walking is more cognitively demanding than normal walking. Decreased trunk stability during dual-task walking is associated with brain atrophy. Additional studies are necessary to elucidate the effects of regional brain atrophy on the control of walking.

DOI： 10.1093/gerona/glr214

PubMed

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

AIMS: The purpose of this study is to clarify the effects of exercise intervention on vascular risk factors in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). METHODS: Community-dwelling older adults who met the definition of MCI using the Petersen criteria (n = 100; mean age = 75.3 years) were randomly allocated to the exercise (n = 50) or education control group (n = 50). Participants in the exercise group exercised under the supervision of physiotherapists for 90 min/day, 2 days/week, 80 times for 12 months. Anthropometric profiles, blood markers, blood pressure, and physical fitness (the 6-min walking test) were measured. Total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and TC/HDL-C risk ratio measurements were taken from blood samples. RESULTS: The exercise group showed significantly reduced TC and TC/HDL-C risk ratio after training compared with baseline levels (p < 0.001, p = 0.004). However, no significant reduction was found for the control group (p = 0.09, p = 0.09). Physical fitness also significantly improved after exercise intervention compared with the control group (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Exercise intervention was associated with positive changes in important vascular risk factors related to cognitive decline and vascular disease in older adults with MCI.

DOI： 10.1159/000343486,

PubMed

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

AIM: The current study sought to determine which types of cognitive function are related to atrophy of the bilateral medial temporal areas including the entorhinal cortex (MTA-ERC) in elderly adults. METHODS: The subjects were 96 elderly adults (mean age 75.3 years) with mild cognitive impairment. Subjects underwent Wechsler Memory Scale-Revised, logical memory I and II (WMS-R, LM I and II), Rey complex figure retention tests after 3 and 30 min (RCF-3 min and RCF-30 min), digit span backword (DSB), digit symbol-coding (DSC), Stroop Color and Word Test-Interference List (SCWT-IL) as well as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and were divided into elderly adults without or with mild to moderate MTA-ERC atrophy, and those with severe atrophy. RESULTS: In all subjects, MTA-ERC atrophy showed significant relationships with age (r = 0.43), education (r = -0.25), WMS-R, LM I (r = -0.21), DSC (r = -0.32), and SCWT-IL (r = 0.32). The mild to moderate atrophy group showed significant relationships between MTA-ERC atrophy and age (r = 0.34), DSC (r = -0.28), and SCWT-IL (r = 0.25). In contrast, in the severe atrophy group, MTA-ERC atrophy was correlated significantly with RCF-3 min (r = -0.70) and RCF-30 min (r = -0.74). The linear regression model included demographic variables and cognitive tests; two variables to survive the step-wise analysis were age (beta = 0.374) and SCWT-IL (beta = 0.247) in all subjects. Age (beta = 0.301), and RCF-30 min (beta = -0.521) and age (beta = 0.460) remained as a significant variable in the mild to moderate atrophy and severe atrophy groups, respectively. CONCLUSION: Executive function tests such as SCWT-IL may be useful as a screening tool to identify mild to moderate MTA-ERC atrophy and a decline in the RCF test may suggest severe MTA-ERC atrophy in elderly adults with MCI.

DOI： 10.1159/000334845

PubMed

Language：Japanese   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

AIM: The purpose of this study was to examine factors related to fear of falling (FOF) in elderly adults who showed no reduced performance regarding independent instrumental activities of daily living (IADL). METHODS: A total of 119 elderly adults participated in the study (mean age, 75.7+/-7.2 years, women, n=60). We investigated the prevalence of FOF, anamnesis, medications, body pain, and history of falls, the Geriatric Depression Scale, International Physical Activity Questionnaire, Life-Space Assessment (LSA). The Timed Up and Go test (TUG) and one-legged standing time were measured to evaluate physical performance. Participants were divided into elderly adults with FOF (FOF group) and those without FOF (non-FOF group). The unpaired t-test or chi-square test was used for group comparisons. Multiple logistic regression analysis was then performed to examine the factors associated with FOF. RESULTS: The prevalence of FOF was 51.3% overall. The FOF group had a higher prevalence of anamnesis, body pain, and history of falls than the non-FOF group. The FOF group had lower LSA scores, longer durations on the TUG, and shorter durations on the one-legged standing test than the non-FOF group. On multiple logistic regression analysis, LSA (total score, 120 points) was significantly associated with FOF (odds ratio: 0.96, 95% confidence interval=0.93-0.99). CONCLUSION: Fear of falling was significantly associated with life space in community-dwelling elderly adults who showed no reduced performance regarding IADL. In future, it will be necessary to clarify any possible causal relationship by longitudinal investigations.

PubMed

Language：Japanese   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

AIM: The purpose of this study was to determine the predictors of interruption to living at home as a result of death, hospitalization, or admission to a long-term care facility in frail elderly people enrolled in a home visit rehabilitation service. METHODS: A total of 311 patients entered a home visit rehabilitation service within a study period of 1 September, 2005 to 31 March, 2010, 146 of whom met the criteria to be enrolled in this study and gave consent. Of these, 73 received a continuous home visit rehabilitation service (continuous group) of over 2 years and 73 experienced interruption to this service due to death, hospitalization, or admission to a long-term care facility (interruption group). The following physical, social, and medical factors were recorded and analyzed: age, sex, care level, disease diagnoses, gait disability, cognitive impairment, living with another person and cause of the interruption to the home-visit rehabilitation service. We compared each item between the interruption and continuous groups. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the significant predictors of interruptions to living at home. RESULTS: Patients in the interruption group demonstrated significantly lower functioning in activities of daily living (ADL), gait ability and lower cognitive status, and higher rates of respiratory diseases and cancer compared with the continuous group. On logistic regression analysis, ADL score (odds ratio [OR]=0.97, p<0.01), and the presence of respiratory diseases (OR=4.35, p=0.04) and cancer (OR=13.46, p<0.01) were significantly associated with interruptions to living at home. CONCLUSIONS: Lower ADL functioning, respiratory diseases and cancer were significant predictors of interruption to living at home in frail elderly adults.

PubMed

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

BACKGROUND: In spite of a number of reports about various factors associated with the fear of falling (FoF) among older adults (such as age and physical function), the relationship between FoF and cognitive decline remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: To determine which cognitive function is related with the prevalence of FoF in older adults. METHODS: Participants were 101 older adults (mean age 75.1 years; 48.5% males). Of these, 54 older adults (53.4%) were classified as the fear group on the basis of the presence of FoF. Age, gender, the Timed Up and Go test (TUG), fall history, the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale, the Wechsler Memory Scale-Revised-Logical Memory I (WMS-LM I), the delayed memory test, digit symbol coding, digit span and verbal fluency were measured as potential relevant factors. RESULTS: Logistic regression analysis revealed that TUG [odds ratio (OR) 1.43, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.12-1.83; p = 0.004], WMS-LM I (OR 1.20, 95% CI 1.07-1.35; p = 0.002) and fall history (OR 4.38, 95% CI 1.53-12.51; p = 0.006) were independently associated with FoF. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that a lower prevalence of self-reported FoF is associated with memory decline among older adults. Insensitivity to FoF may be one of the characteristics of psychological change with memory decline.

DOI： 10.1159/000336988

PubMed

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

OBJECTIVE: To examine whether declining performance in aspects of physical functioning, including lower extremity muscle strength, 1-legged balance, walking speed, and exercise capacity, is associated with atrophy of medial temporal areas in community-dwelling older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: General community in Japan. PARTICIPANTS: Community-dwelling older adults 65 years and older with a Clinical Dementia Rating of 0.5 or memory complaints were enrolled in this study. This study examined 34 participants with amnestic MCI (aMCI) and 58 nonamnestic MCI (non-aMCI) participants. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The following physical performance tests were conducted: muscle strength of knee extension, 1-legged standing time, 5-m walking test, and 6-minute walk test (6MWT). The z scores of the voxel-based specific regional analysis system for Alzheimer's disease were determined to assess the degree of atrophy in the bilateral medial temporal areas including the entorhinal cortex (MTA-ERC). RESULTS: In the aMCI group, 6MWT performance was associated with MTA-ERC atrophy (beta=-.462, P=.014) after controlling for age. In the stepwise multiple regression analyses, 6MWT and body mass index were found to be significant determinants of MTA-ERC atrophy in all participants (R(2)=.275), as well as the aMCI and non-aMCI groups when analyzed separately (R(2)=.418 and R(2)=.216, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: A decline in exercise capacity was found to be more closely associated with atrophy of the MTA-ERC compared with other aspects of physical functioning in older adults with MCI, especially the amnestic type. These findings suggest that it is important for future studies to investigate the effects of increased aerobic activity and improved fitness on brain volume in older adults at risk of developing dementia.

DOI： 10.1016/j.apmr.2011.07.195

PubMed

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

The purpose of this study was to determine the interrelationships between lower limb muscle performance, balance, gait and falls in older people using structural equation modeling. Study participants were two hundred and thirteen people aged 65 years and older (mean age, 80.0 +/- 7.1 years), who used day-care services in Japan. The outcome measures were the history of falls three months retrospectively and physical risk factors for falling, including performance in the chair stand test (CST), one-leg standing test (OLS), tandem walk test, 6m walking time, and the timed up-and-go (TUG) test. Thirty-nine (18.3%) of the 213 participants had fallen at least one or more times during the preceding 3 months. The fall group had significantly slower 6m walking speed and took significantly longer to undertake the TUG test than the non-fall group. In a structural equation model, performance in the CST contributed significantly to gait function, and low gait function was significantly and directly associated with falls in older people. This suggests that task-specific strength exercise as well as general mobility retraining should be important components of exercise programs designed to reduce falls in older people.

DOI： 10.1016/j.archger.2010.11.003

PubMed

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Many older people fall when they perform tasks which require increased attention. The aim of this study was to determine differences in reaction times, during simple-, dual- and triple-task conditions requiring differing levels of motor coordination, balance control and cognitive attention, between groups of fallers and non-fallers in community-dwelling older individuals. METHODS: The study involved the recruitment of 87 older individuals living at home, 57 women and 30 men aged 75 to 91 years. Reaction times, measured by pushing a handheld button as quickly as possible in response to a visual stimulus, were measured in four conditions: 1) quiet standing (simple-task); 2) counting backward during quiet standing (dual-task with cognitive demand); 3) stepping in place (dual-task with balance demand); and 4) counting backward while stepping in place (triple-task with cognitive and balance demands). RESULTS: Twenty-nine (33.3%) participants had fallen at least once during the past year. There were no statistically significant differences in reaction times between non-fallers and fallers during any of the tasks. Reaction times were significantly longer during the dual- and triple-tasks compared with the simple-task conditions in both groups. The ratio between reaction times during dual-tasks with balance demands (stepping in place) and those in the simple-task condition were significantly related to a history of falls and showed the highest odds ratio (OR 3.16, 95% CI 1.06- 9.45, p=0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Relative changes in reaction times during a dual-task with balance demands were related to a history of falls in community-dwelling older individuals. Reaction times in dual-task conditions with a balance demand were more sensitive to past falls than those during a dual-task with cognitive demands.

DOI： 10.3275/6763

PubMed

Language：Japanese   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

AIM: To investigate the incidence of falls and fall-related fractures in disabled elderly people utilizing long-term care insurance, and influence of gender, age, disabled level is examined. METHODS: Subjects were 8,335 elderly people (mean age, 82.2+/-7.4 years). Falls and fractures were investigated retrospectively for the one year study period either via a self-report questionnaire, or via care workers and/or family members when the subjects had cognitive impairments. The care workers gave are a free description about for the fall that had occurred when using the facilities. RESULTS: Men showed significantly higher rate of falls (26.8%) than women (24.6%). In women, there was a significant difference in fall rates between the severely disabled group (26.4%) and the moderately disabled group (23.5%). Women showed a significantly higher rate of fractures (12.2%) than that of men (4.5%). In relationship between fall-related fractures and potential correlates, there was a significant relation between women and the fall-related fractures [OR 2.5, 95%CI 1.7-3.6]. The severely disabled group showed a significantly higher rate of falls in the toilet, on the other hand, the moderately disabled group showed significantly higher rate of falls during exercise and recreation or standing. CONCLUSION: The rate of falls in women was lower than men in this study population. The result may be affected by the lower proportion of women in the moderately disabled group compared with men. Only gender was significantly associated with the incidence of fall-related fractures in disabled elderly people.

PubMed

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

BACKGROUND: It is argued that a multidimensional approach is necessary for burden assessment. Reducing caregiver burden is a social problem in the ageing Japan society. We examined the combined effect of factors affecting the care burden among community-dwelling handicapped people and their caregivers. METHODS: The participants were 49 handicapped people (aged 53-104 years) who received home-visit rehabilitation, and their 49 caregivers (age 42-85 years). Caregivers were provided questionnaires consisting of questions on social support, subjective well-being, self-efficacy with regard to care continuation, the Motor Fitness Scale and caregiver burden. Care recipients were assessed using the Bedside Mobility Scale and the Barthel Index. RESULTS: We prepared the hypothesis model using structural equation modeling with the bootstrap method within outcome measures. The hypothesis model did not fit the data well. The impact of the Motor Fitness Scale was shifted from the caregiver burden to care self-efficacy and well-being, having a cooperator for care and variable of spouse caregiver or others associated with caregiver well-being in the revised model. The fit of the revised model was acceptable (goodness of fit index, 0.903; comparative fit index, 0.998; root mean square error of approximation, 0.017). In the revised model, the care recipients' disabled state was associated with caregiver burden. In addition, higher burden and poor motor fitness of caregivers might lead to lower care self-efficacy in providing continuous care and lower caregiver well-being. CONCLUSION: These findings suggested that the program to reduce caregiver burden should focus on aspects of the care recipients' disabled state, the caregivers' well-being, fitness, and care self-efficacy.

DOI： 10.1111/j.1447-0594.2009.00523.x

PubMed

Language：Japanese   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

AIM: This study examined the factors associated with burdens on the primary caregivers of community-dwelling disabled people. METHODS: Participants were 78 disabled people (40 men, 38 women; mean age 77.8+/-11.5 years) who received home-based physical therapy and/or occupational therapy, and their 78 caregivers (20 men, 58 women; mean age 66.8+/-10.2 years). The caregiver burden was assessed using the short version of the Japanese version of the Zarit Caregiver Burden Interview (J-ZBI_8). In addition, the primary caregivers completed questionnaires about burdens arising from supporting the activities of daily living (ADL) using a visual analogue scale, available social support, subjective well-being, and the Motor Fitness Scale. The performance of the disabled subjects was assessed using the Bedside Mobility Scale and the Barthel Index. The disabled subjects and the caregivers were divided into higher burden (J-ZBI_8 score, 10 points and over) and lower burden groups (J-ZBI_8 score, 9 points and under) to compare the group differences in the measurements. RESULTS: The disabled participants in the lower burden group (n=41) showed significantly higher Bedside Mobility Scale scores and Barthel Index scores than those in the higher burden group (n=37). The primary caregivers in the higher burden group showed significantly higher burden due to supporting the ADL, lower subjective well-being, and lower social support as compared to those in the lower-burden group. CONCLUSION: The burden levels of the primary caregivers relating to the mobility and ADL of their recipients were assessed. The caregivers with higher burden showed less social support and low subjective well-being.

PubMed

Publisher：(一社)理学療法科学学会  

[目的]新型コロナウイルス感染症(COVID-19)の感染拡大予防対策に伴う外出自粛時期前後での運動教室に参加していた地域在住高齢者における身体活動量の変化を調べた。[対象と方法]対象は地域在住高齢者15名、2019年9月(緊急事態宣言前)と2020年4月(緊急事態宣言中)における身体活動量と生活空間(LSA)の変化を比較した。身体活動量は3軸加速度計を用いて計測した。[結果]緊急事態宣言前に比べて緊急事態宣言中は2割の者で町外への外出(生活空間レベル5)をしておらず、LSAスコアが低下傾向であったが、有意な変化ではなかった。身体活動量も有意な変化はなかった。[結語]2020年4月中旬時点において運動教室に参加していた高齢者は、生活範囲の顕著な変化および身体活動量の低下は認められなかった。(著者抄録)

DOI： 10.3390/jcm9051386

PubMed

Publisher：(公社)日本理学療法士協会  

【目的】地域在住高齢者の有する腰痛と膝痛が、急性もしくは慢性疼痛であるかの違いによって身体機能に及ぼす影響を明らかにする。【方法】地域コホート研究(垂水研究2018)に参加した65歳以上の高齢者735名を対象とした。質問紙により急性・慢性疼痛の有無を聴取し、歩行速度および握力との関連を分析した。【結果】ロジスティック回帰分析の結果、慢性疼痛の有無は歩行速度低下と有意に関連していたが(調整後オッズ比2.55、p=0.001)、急性疼痛との関連はなかった(調整後オッズ比1.19、p=0.632)(年齢、性別、GDS-15、内服薬数、ASMI、握力を共変量)。急性・慢性疼痛の有無と握力低下との関連はなかった(急性疼痛有無:調整後オッズ比1.22、p=0.477。慢性疼痛有無:調整後オッズ比0.85、p=0.530)。【結論】地域在住高齢者において、慢性疼痛を有することと歩行速度低下との関連が示唆された。(著者抄録)