Improvement in prescriptions while maintaining overall health outcomes: a prospective observational study conducted in Japanese facilities for older people.

Background: Improvements in the use of polypharmacy or potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) may reduce medication costs in Japan. We aimed to evaluate the impact of improvement in prescription on both overall health outcomes and medication costs in Japanese facilities for older people.

Methods: Residents in Japanese facilities for older people between March 2019 and March 2020 were included in this study.

Impact of the Severity of Alzheimer's Disease on the Quality of Life, Activities of Daily Living, and Caregiving Costs for Institutionalized Patients on Anti-Alzheimer Medications in Japan.

Background: Alzheimer's disease (AD) increases societal costs and decreases the activities of daily living (ADL) and quality of life (QoL) of the affected individuals.

Objective: We assess the impact of AD severity on ADL, QoL, and caregiving costs in Japanese facilities for the elderly.

Methods: Patients with AD in facilities for the elderly were included (47 facilities, N = 3,461).

Prevalence of Pruritus in the Elderly with Dementia: A Multicenter Survey of Japanese Patients.

A total of 185 elderly Japanese patients with mild to severe dementia were surveyed on itch, using multiple methods of evaluation including self-evaluation of itch conducted by patients as well as evaluation of scratching behavior and scratching marks on the body surface conducted by others. As a result, 36.8% self-evaluated that they were suffering from itch, whereas 53.

Development of a quantitative measurement system for three-dimensional analysis of foot morphology using a smartphone.

Existing techniques for measuring foot morphology are invasive or cumbersome. A new technique was developed using a smartphone, which can measure foot morphology to within 1 mm. This is shown to be applicable to the prediction of hallux valgus, which allows for early intervention.

Foot care to improve physical function and prevent falling of frail elderly adults with and without dementia.

Feet and toenail abnormalities are common among the elderly and can increase the risk of falls. We examined the changes in physical function after feet and toenails care for frail elderly adults and elderly adults with dementia. As a result, the abnormalities in the subject's feet and toenails improved, and the individuals' physical function and social participation increased.

Effect of walking on depression prevalence for diabetes using information communication technology: Prospective study.

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the prevention of diabetic depression and its impact on medical costs through the implementation of a step count monitoring system using information and communication technology.

Methods: This study carried out a longitudinal analysis of a prospective cohort. A total of 296 participants were enrolled in the intervention group and 882 participants in the control group.

Corrosion Generation and Cleaning Effect on Surgical Instruments with Attached Radiofrequency Identification Tags in Long-Term Usage.

Faulty cleaning of surgical instruments may lead to corrosion damage and a higher risk of surgical site infection. We have developed a method in which each instrument has an attached radiofrequency identification (RFID) tag for individual management. However, because of the structure of the instruments, a risk of corrosion from poor cleaning exists; therefore, observation during long-term usage is necessary.

Improvements in lower-limb muscle strength and foot pressure distribution with foot care in frail elderly adults: a randomized controlled trial from Japan.

Background: Abnormalities in the feet and toenails are common among the elderly and may increase the risk of falls. This study aimed to investigate the changes in toe-gap force, knee-gap force, foot pressure distribution, the ability to perform activities of daily living, subjects' feelings and behaviors, and physical function resulting from daily lifestyle modification and foot care.

Methods: The study participants included 74 elderly adults (mean age 80.

[A case of late-onset paraphrenia in a very elderly patient receiving home medical care].

A 94 year old woman with a late-onset paraphrenia was referred to our clinic from a community care center. The patient showed symptoms of paranoia and auditory hallucination. The patient was in conflict with her neighbors regarding noise-related problems and was experiencing loss of appetite.

Effects of Prescription Drug Reduction on Quality of Life in Community-Dwelling Patients with Dementia.

Purpose: Due to the use of multiple drugs and prevalence of diminished cognitive function, community-dwelling elderly individuals are more likely to have drug-related issues. We examined changes in quality of life (QOL) and activities of daily living (ADL) 3 months and 6 months after reducing drug use of dementia patients who had newly begun community-dwelling care.

Methods: Prescription drug use was reduced in the intervention group, whereas the non-intervention group continued their regimen or began using additional drugs.