2024 Fiscal Year Final Research Report
Research on the Effects of Olfactory and Taste Decrease in Dementia on BPSD and Life Functions
| Project/Area Number |
22K21160
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| Research Category |
Grant-in-Aid for Research Activity Start-up
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| Allocation Type | Multi-year Fund |
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| Review Section |
0908:Society medicine, nursing, and related fields
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| Research Institution | Takarazuka University of Medical and Health Care |
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Principal Investigator |
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| Project Period (FY) |
2022-08-31 – 2025-03-31
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| Keywords | 嗅覚機能 / 認知機能 / BPSD / 緑茶 |
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| Outline of Final Research Achievements |
It is widely known that dementia is often accompanied by a decline in olfactory function. However, the link between this decline and the behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) has remained unclear. To investigate this, we examined whether olfactory dysfunction influences BPSD. The results showed that decreased olfactory ability was associated with lower cognitive function, and this affected daily activities, particularly in eating and hygiene.
In addition, green tea has recently gained attention as a potential means of preventing dementia. Therefore, we studied the olfactory response to green tea in both healthy older and younger individuals. The results showed a decline in the ability to detect the scent of green tea among older adults. However, in healthy elderly individuals, olfactory stimulation may help maintain or even improve their sense of smell. Thus, green tea could be a useful tool for olfactory stimulation and dementia prevention.
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| Free Research Field |
認知症のリハビリテーション
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| Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements |
今回の研究における研究の意義として，嗅覚機能の低下者は，認知機能の低下とともに，日常生活の食事面と衛生面で支障が生じることが明らかになった．このため，前述した生活面で支障が出た場合，単に認知機能が問題と決めつけず，嗅覚機能も念頭におくことが重要であることが意義である．
次に「緑茶」においては，飲用する際に，香りをたしなむことで，嗅覚が刺激されるため，健常高齢者にとっては，馴染み深い「緑茶」を用いることが嗅覚の維持・改善には期待できる手段と言える．
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