The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between cognitive function and physical performance in Japanese older adults. Ninety four older adults, aged 65 to 87 years (mean age 71.9±5.3 years), were recruited as participants. Cognitive function was evaluated by Five-cognitive Function Test (FCFT). The FCFT, which was developed specially for Japanese older adults, consists of 5 subscale elements: attention, verbal memory, visuospatial cognition, word fluency, and associate learning. Hand dexterity (3 items), muscle strength (2 items), balance (3 items), flexibility (2 items), walking ability (2 items) and reaction ability (2 items) were defined as lifestyle-related physical performances. After adjusting for age, educational level and systolic blood pressure the FCFT score was significantly correlated with observed data of hand dexterity (hand working with a peg board, r=0.485, p<0.001), lower-extremity muscle strength (5-repetition sit-to-stand, r=-0.231, p<0.05), walking ability (5-m habitual walk, r=-0.225, p<0.05; timed up and go r=-0.304, p<0.01), and reaction ability (simple reaction time, r=-0.415, p<0.001; 4-way choice reaction time, r=-0.401, p<0.001). Multiple regression analysis revealed that the FCFT score was explained by the hand working with a peg board (F=42.36, p<0.001) and 4-way choice reaction time (F=29.62, p<0.01). The contribution rate on this model was 42%. These results suggest that cognitive functions were associated with some physical performance. Especially, hand dexterity (hand working with a peg board) and reaction ability (4-way choice reaction time) may be the useful synthetic indicators of cognitive functions in Japanese older adults.

Recently, the palliative care team (PCT) at our hospital has included dentists. Among a total of 127 cancer patientsand required PCT intervention from 2009 to 2014, 17 patients (13.3%) had oral symptoms. Therefore, the PCT held discussions in order to determine the optimal way to treat each patient. Various symptoms, including oral pain, dry mouth, taste disturbance, furred tongue, excessive amounts of saliva, appetite loss, and trismus were treated by the dentists. As a result, the oral findings improved in all patients, while the oral symptoms improved in 16 of the 17 patients (94%). Thanks to the fact that dentists have joined the PCT, oral symptoms are effectively relieved, and PCT members now have an increased interest in oral cavity complications. Furthermore, conducting thorough examinations of the oral cavity by the PCT not only results in an improved QOL, but it has also increased the interest in the oral cavity on the part of the PCT. Therefore, more effective palliative care is expected to be achieved by promoting increased cooperation with more clinical departments.