Theme Leader :
Tsuyoshi Okamura, M.D., Ph.D.
Researcher :
Hiroki Inagaki, Ph.D., Chiaki Ura, Ph.D., Ayako Edahiro, D.D.S., Ph.D., Mika Sugiyama, Ph.D., Naoko Sakuma, B.A., Fumiko Miyamae, Ph.D.
Adjunct Researcher :
Fumiko Miyamae, Ph.D., Madoka Ogawa, Ph.D., Tsutomu Taga, Ph.D., Hajime Iwasa, Ph.D., Hiroyuki Nikawa, M.D., Ph.D., Emi Nomoto, B.S., Yukiko Kugimiya, B.A., Mutsuko Okamura, B.A., Mitsuo Morikura, B.A., Yuki Matoba, Ph.D., Masako Yamamura, M.A., Sumiko Kenjo, B.A., Yoshiko Tsuzuki, M.A. Hanae Yagihashi, B.A.
Dementia, Depression, Delusion, Delirium, Mental Health Well-being, Quality of Life, Cognitive Function, Community-based Integrated Care System, Dementia Friendly Communities, Rights-Based Approach, Medical Center for Dementia, Early-Onset Dementia
Dementia and other neuropsychiatric disorders in late life entail a great risk for "complexity" with physically, mentally, and socially vulnerable conditions, which causes reduced quality of life and breakdown of independent living in a community. We study to examine the situational constellation and structure of “complexity”, and develop the comprehensive strategies for prevention from and intervention of “complexity”. On the basis of these studies, we study on establishment of a community-based integrated care system and development of a model of dementia friendly communities (DFCs) from the perspective of rights-based approach (RBA). The Takashimadaira Study is one of the longitudinal cohort studies to develop the model in Tokyo metropolis.
In the context of RBA, we also conduct a nationwide epidemiological study on early-onset dementia (EOD), because social resources for EOD are relatively sparse, especially for promoting independent living and supports for family caregivers. In collaboration with the Japan Dementia Working Group (JDWG),a group established by people living with dementia in 2014, we study how to promote PANEL principle (participation, accountability, non-discrimination and equality, empowerment, and legality), in order to popularize DFCs in our country. In collaboration with several private sectors, we also study how to establish the system providing housing and everyday living services for people living alone with dementia and low income without family caregivers.
In addition, to ensure quality diagnosis and quality post-diagnostic supports, we study how to control quality of the Medical Center for Dementia (MCD) in the whole country. For remote islands, where it is impossible to deploy MCD, we study on development of the TV meeting system in collaboration with the multidisciplinary experts working for MCD using the information and communication technology (ICT).
To confirm the outcome of these studies, we conduct a series of psychometric studies to develop the assessment scales in terms of cognitive and daily living functions, mental health well-being, social support and network, and quality of life.
In summary, our study aims to create a society where people can live well with hope and dignity regardless of dementia and disability.
Five Long-term Longitudinal Studies: Tokyo-LSA
Healthy Aging Innovation Center
Integrated Research Initiative for Living Well with Dementia