Risk Factors of Long-Term Care Insurance Certification in Japan: A Scoping Review

Abstract

This study aimed to review evidence on future long-term care associated with pre-existing factors among community-dwelling Japanese older adults. We systematically searched cohort and nested case–control studies published between 2000 and 2019 that assessed long-term care certification using the PubMed, CINAHL, and EMBASE databases. The relationship between long-term care insurance information and risk factors was investigated. The protocol was registered with the Open Science Framework. We extracted 91 studies for synthesis, including 84 prospective cohort studies, 1 retrospective cohort study, and 6 nested case–control studies. Certification for long-term care was classified into two endpoints: onset of functional disability and dementia. There were 72 studies that used long-term care certification as a proxy for functional disability, and 22 used long-term care information to indicate the onset of dementia. Common risk factors related to functional disability were physical function, frailty, and oral condition. Motor function and nutritional status were common risk factors for dementia. We found consistent associations between premorbid risk factors and functional disability and dementia. The accumulation of evidence on the incidence of long-term care and associated factors can aid the development of preventive measures. Future studies should aim to integrate this evidence.

U-shaped link of health checkup data and need for care using a time-dependent cox regression model with a restricted cubic spline

“…Besides these factors, some potential covariates confound the association of interest, and their effects were not adjusted, which is a limitation of this study. For example, the systematic review by Tanaka et al describes physical conditions (e.g., motor function, physical frailty, sarcopenia) and social factors (social participation, social support, social capital, and social frailty) as some of the most frequently reported risk factors for the certification of need for long-term care 44 . These items related to physical conditions and social factors are not obtained in general health checkups in Japan and were also not obtained in this study.…”

Association between Tai Chi Yuttari Exercise and Longevity and Prevention of Long-Term Care Need: Survival Analysis in Kitakata City, Japan

“…A scoping review reported that risk factors for LTC certification included physical function [ 35 ]. Previous studies suggested that the benefits of Tai Chi Yuttari exercise included improvements in physical function such as improvement in balance ability (evaluated by standing on one leg) and flexibility (evaluated by bending forward) [ 22 ].…”

Relationship Between Medical Therapy, Long-Term Care Insurance, and Comorbidity in Elderly Patients With Heart Failure With Systolic Dysfunction

“…There have been many studies that treat a presence of LTCI certification as an indicator of frailty and disability, regardless of support or care needs levels. 45 Further research is needed into the relationship between LTCI certification and frailty and disability.…”