Hyuma Makizako

Combined effect of factors associated with burdens on primary caregiver

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.

Association Between Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 and Frailty Among Older Adults

ObjectivesFrailty 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.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingCohort study that was part of the “National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology–Study of Geriatric Syndromes.”ParticipantsThe study participants were 4133 older adults (mean age, 71.8 ± 5.4 years).MeasurementsWe assessed serum IGF-1 levels and frailty status and collected demographic variables, including cognitive function, as covariates.ResultsFrailty 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 <.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 <.001; adjusted model: OR 1.54, 95% CI 1.02–2.32, p =.039), compared with the highest group.ConclusionLower serum IGF-1 levels were independently related with frailty in older adults.

Combined effect of self-reported hearing problems and level of social activities on the risk of disability in Japanese older adults: A population-based longitudinal study

BACKGROUND We used longitudinal cohort data to investigate whether hearing problems and low levels of social activity lead to a higher incidence of disability among community-dwelling older adults. METHODS Participants were 4576 older adults (47.8% male, mean age 75.9 years) who met the study inclusion criteria. Longitudinal data on the incidence of disability were monitored monthly. Disability was defined as Japanese long-term care insurance certification for personal support or care for 2 years following the baseline assessment. Hearing problems were measured using the Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly and for Adults - Screening version. Participants completed a questionnaire that included five questions on daily social activities. RESULTS In the adjusted model that included potential covariates, participants with co-occurring hearing problems and low participation rates in social activities were at higher risk of developing a disability than participants without hearing problems and low levels of social activity (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.13, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.31-3.45). The second highest risk of developing a disability was found for those with low levels of social activity alone (HR = 1.98, 95% CI: 1.26-3.11), and the third highest for those with hearing problems alone (HR = 1.38, 95% CI: 1.07-1.77). CONCLUSIONS Hearing problems and a lack of social activity were independent risk factors for developing a disability. Co-occurring hearing problems and low levels of participation in social activities represented the largest risk factor for disability.

Long and Short Sleep Duration and Physical Frailty in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to investigate whether older adults who have a particularly long sleep duration are likely to exhibit physical frailty, similar to those with a particularly short sleep duration.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingThe National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology – Study of Geriatric Syndromes.ParticipantsA total of 9,824 older adults (mean age: 73.6 ± 5.5 years, 4,812 men and 5,012 women) met the entry criteria for this study.MeasurementsWe divided the participants into three groups according to self-reported sleep duration (Short: ≤ 6 h, Mid: 6.1–8.9 h (control), Long: ≥ 9 h). Physical frailty was characterized based on the criteria from the Cardiovascular Health Study. Multinomial logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the effect of sleep duration on physical frailty by sex.ResultsAmong all participants, the prevalence of physical frailty was higher in the Short (10.5%) and Long (17.9%) groups than in the Mid (7.4%) group (p < 0.001). Multinomial logistic regression analysis showed that both Short and Long groups had a significantly higher odds ratio (OR) for physical frailty than the Mid group [Short: OR 1.53, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.26–1.87; Long: OR 2.39, 95% CI 1.90–3.00], even after adjusting for age, educational level, number of medications, body mass index, Mini Mental State Examination score, current smoking and alcohol habits, self-perceived health, and medical history.ConclusionBoth long and short sleep durations were associated with physical frailty. Further studies are required to confirm the effect of sleep duration on the incidence or worsening of physical frailty in older adults.

Aging-related anorexia and its association with disability and frailty: Anorexia and disability

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.

Behavioral protective factors of increased depressive symptoms in community‐dwelling older adults: A prospective cohort study

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.

Cognitive function and unsafe driving acts during an on-road test among community-dwelling older adults with cognitive impairments: Cognitive function and unsafe driving

To examine the relationship between cognitive function and unsafe driving acts among community‐dwelling older adults with cognitive impairments.

Relationship between chronic kidney disease without diabetes mellitus and components of frailty in community‐dwelling Japanese older adults

To evaluate the relationship between kidney function without diabetes and components of the frailty phenotype in community‐dwelling Japanese older adults.

Transitional status and modifiable risk of frailty in Japanese older adults: A prospective cohort study: Transition of frailty

The purpose of the present study was to identify risk factors for physical frailty and to understand the transitional status of frailty.

Lifestyle activities and the risk of dementia in older Japanese adults: Lifestyle activities and dementia

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.