Evaluation of dementia‐prevention classes for community‐dwelling older adults with mild cognitive impairment

Abstract

Aim: The number of elderly people with dementia in Japan is likely to increase as the population ages. In some areas in Tottori Prefecture, dementia-prevention classes have been conducted for several years. In the present study, we evaluated dementia-prevention classes in nine districts of Tottori Prefecture in terms of cognitive function, assessment by the leader and subjective evaluation by participants. Methods: The study's subjects included 112 community-dwelling elderly residents who were selected after a two-step screening. Data were collected according to the following four factors: (i) evaluation of cognitive function at the beginning and end of classes; (ii) the content of the classes; (iii) observations regarding the state of subjects; and (iv) participants' subjective evaluation obtained via a questionnaire distributed at the final class. Results: In terms of cognitive function among all subjects, scores significantly improved after the dementia-prevention classes. However, there were no significant cognitive improvements in the districts where programmes were biased towards a single category (e.g. systemic exercise, creative activities). Based on class leaders' assessments, subjects showed improved appearance and facial expression in later classes. Participants became more involved in the programmes, and their interests in others increased. In terms of their daily lives, subjects became more involved with others and more active after participating in the classes. Conclusions: Dementia-prevention classes improved not only cognitive function but also other aspects of daily life, as well. We thought it was important to evaluate both objective and subjective factors related to the classes.

A program of exercise, brain training, and lecture to prevent cognitive decline

“…Low cost is a prerequisite for widespread implementation by local municipalities. The greatest expense incurred by this program was labor, which is not easily reduced as a difference in effectiveness between classrooms (with different instructors) has been documented in a dementia prevention program, 8 so we believe that professional instructors are necessary to ensure reliability. A practical problem encountered in the implementation of this program was transportation, as cognitive impairment usually precludes driving.…”

“…Many previous studies have focused on either physical activity or cognitive training to prevent cognitive decline. Recently, dementia prevention classes have been instituted by local governments throughout Japan, but the contents are determined by each local government, suggesting that these programs will vary in efficacy . About 15 years ago, Kotoura town and Houki town in Tottori Prefecture, Japan, initiated dementia prevention classes centered on exercise, cognitive training, and interpersonal communication.…”

“…Recently, dementia prevention classes have been instituted by local governments throughout Japan, but the contents are determined by each local government, suggesting that these programs will vary in efficacy. 8 About 15 years ago, Kotoura town and Houki town in Tottori Prefecture, Japan, initiated dementia prevention classes centered on exercise, cognitive training, and interpersonal communication. Based on this approach, we have developed a unique cognitive decline prevention program that combines physical exercise, cognitive training, and education on dementia and lifestyle habits.…”

Prevalence and Clinical Predictors of Cognitive Impairment in Individuals Aged 80 Years and Older in Rural China

“…Ito and Urakami [44] developed dementia-prevention classes in an attempt to prevent the progression from mild CI to dementia. They found that these classes improved not only cognitive function but also other aspects of daily life.…”

Community and Provider Evaluation of a Canadian Dementia Support Services Program

“…Around the world, many programs and services have been implemented in an effort to respond to these needs, including telehealth services, ( 4 ) in-home care, dementia prevention classes for older adults, ( 5 ) opportunities for volunteer work in the community, ( 6 ) physical exercise programs, ( 7 , 8 ) and programs that allow people living with dementia to participate in social activities. ( 9 ) These services work to relieve physical and psychological symptoms and help support independence.…”