Development of dementia assessment scale and age-friendly environments in Myanmar

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19K19703
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 58080:Gerontological nursing and community health nursing-related
• Research Institution: The University of Tokyo (2023); Nagoya University (2019-2021)
• Principal Investigator: SAW YUMON 東京大学, 大学院医学系研究科(医学部), 客員研究員 (20737788)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 認知機能障害 / ミャンマー / 高齢化 / 高齢者の健康

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The elderly population with impaired cognitive function is increasing worldwide and is estimated to reach 131.5 million by 2050. Amid prolonged life expectancy in Asia, the aged population with cognitive impairment, such as dementia, is estimated to be 22.85 million out of 485.83 million elderly aged 60 years or older. However, few studies have been performed on cognitive function assessment among the elderly in Asia, especially in Myanmar. Therefore, the present study aimed to identify the prevalence of cognitive impairment and related comorbidities among Myanmar's elderly population. This study published four peer-reviewed papers to provide resources and evidence on elderly health situations, nutrition status, and the rate of cognitive impairment by gender, prompting actions from governments and policymakers to implement impactful health services for the elderly.

Free Research Field

公衆衛生学、地域保健、国際保健

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

ミャンマーにおいて、認知症や高齢者の健康状態に関する研究は非常に限られており、ミャンマー語版の認知機能評価方法とそのマニュアルを開発したことは大きな学術的意義をもつ。また、高齢者の健康状態、クオリティ・オブ・ライフ、認知機能の低下に関連する因子として、年齢の高さ、教育の低さ、被扶養者であること、自覚症状の有無などが明らかになった。これらの因子を認知機能評価に組み込むことを、保健医療サービスや政策制定者に推奨することは、社会的にも大きな意義があるといえる。