Akiko Kimura, Social Worker, Wins the Urakami Award at the 13th Annual Japan Society for Dementia Prevention

Visualization of the process leading up to medical treatment for people diagnosed with MCI

At the Dementia Disease Medical Center, MCI (mild cognitive impairment) is the most common diagnosis. However, there are many cases where the diagnosis does not lead to appropriate preventive actions or regular checkups, and patients return to the hospital after dementia has progressed. In light of this, we aimed to clarify the process leading up to consultation for those diagnosed with MCI and the psychological changes that occur after the diagnosis in order to consider what kind of support is effective after the diagnosis. We conducted an interview survey of center counselors in Hyogo Prefecture and analyzed the results using a case study method. We created a model diagram of the process leading up to consultation and found clues for support that will lead to a positive consultation. In the future, we will clarify the circumstances at the time of diagnosis and the state of affairs after consultation, and pursue the ideal form of post-diagnosis support.