Dementia Prevention - Early Detection by Olfactory Function Test and Prevention by Aromatherapy

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K07886
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 52020:Neurology-related
• Research Institution: Tottori University
• Principal Investigator: URAKAMI Katsuya 鳥取大学, 医学部, 教授 (30213507)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): 河月 稔 鳥取大学, 医学部, 助教 (80736843)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: 認知症予防 / アロマセラピー / もの忘れ検診 / 嗅覚異常

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Eighty-six subjects aged 65 years or older living in Kotoura-cho, Tottori Prefecture were included in the study. Cognitive function was assessed using the Memory Loss Counseling Program, and olfactory function was assessed using Open Essence. Questionnaires regarding physical function, grip strength, body composition, walking speed, chair standing, balance, and Timed Up & Go test were administered. The physical function test and the cognitive function test were in order of need. Regarding cognitive function, a discrepancy between subjective and objective assessments was observed. Among all subjects, 47.6% had a prejudice against dementia and 38.4% had a correct understanding of frailty. The results suggest that there is a strong need to assess physical and cognitive functions as part of the health checkups for the elderly.

Free Research Field

認知症予防

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

比較的軽度の認知機能障害の方が病院に来られるケースが少しずつ増えているが、多くはある程度認知機能障害が進行してからの受診が多い。したがって、既に嗅覚機能の低下もある程度進行している方が多く、病院に来られた方に実施する嗅覚検査は早期発見のための検査としての役割が十分に果たせていない。早期発見に重要なのは地域の健康診断等であり、地域在住高齢者を対象に認知機能検査と嗅覚検査を合わせて実施することが認知症の早期発見に繋がることを検証できた。また、検査の結果、認知機能や嗅覚機能の低下が疑われた者へのアロマセラピーの可能性に関しては新型コロナ感染拡大のため検証できなかった。