Completion of Aichi Digital Health Project Demonstration for Frailty Prevention

Eisai Co., Ltd. and Lotte Co., Ltd. have collaboratively completed a demonstration project aimed at preventing frailty among the elderly. This initiative was part of the Aichi Digital Health Project, which aims to leverage digital technologies to enhance healthcare services in Aichi Prefecture. The demonstration took place in Toyota City, focusing on improving health outcomes for residents at risk of frailty.

Frailty, a condition characterized by a decline in physical and mental functions as people age, is a pressing issue in Japan's super-aging society. Defined as a state between health and the need for nursing care, frailty can significantly increase the risk of requiring long-term care if not addressed in its early stages. Recognizing this issue, the Aichi Digital Health Project has prioritized interventions to detect and prevent frailty early, thereby improving overall health and wellness for the community.

The project utilized Eisai's frailty risk prediction services, which analyze health check-up and dental examination results to identify individuals at high risk of frailty or oral frailty. During the approximately three-month demonstration, a series of oral exercise programs were implemented, revealing significant improvements in both oral and overall frailty among participants.

Project Implementation and Results

Data from Toyota City was exclusively used by Eisai to extract high-risk individuals and evaluate changes in their frailty risk post-intervention. Among the 34 participants who exhibited signs of high-risk frailty as predicted and attended the oral exercise sessions, 32 were found to show evidence of progressing frailty.

Furthermore, of the 27 individuals predicted to be at high risk for oral frailty who participated, 21 were confirmed to have a significantly high risk of declining oral function. This allowed Eisai to successfully identify at-risk individuals with a remarkable 77% accuracy using health check-up data.

Lotte conducted a similar intervention program combining gum chewing with oral exercises. The program demonstrated its efficacy over the three-month interval, during which 32 participants recorded significant behavioral changes as a result of daily exercise and educational experiences with oral health.

Data showed that the proportion of individuals with oral frailty decreased from 16% to 3%, while the proportion of healthy individuals rose from 37% to 47%. Additionally, the prevalence of overall frailty fell from 19% to 12%, marking an increase in healthy individuals from 36% to 44%. The high satisfaction levels of participants with the program, along with their intent to continue these health-promoting exercises, suggest potential for long-lasting effects on their wellbeing.

Municipal Feedback and Future Steps

Shimiya Tomoya, the City Planning and Policy Department's Future City Promotion Division head, remarked on the project's significance: “This demonstration indicates that utilizing data acquired through city programs, and combining it with digital technologies to identify high-risk frailty individuals, can be an effective approach to providing preventive care services for frailty. We will consider how to leverage insights gained from this project in future health promotion initiatives.”

Eisai, Lotte, and Toyota City are committed to strengthening their collaboration through this demonstration project and are dedicated to incorporating various preventive intervention programs to enhance the health and quality of life for the residents of Toyota City.

With the world grappling with the challenges posed by aging populations, this initiative serves as a model for integrating health technology and community-oriented strategies to combat frailty and improve public health outcomes.

Additional Context on Frailty

Frailty is the gradual decline in health that often accompanies aging, affecting physical and cognitive functions. Early and appropriate interventions can mitigate this decline, ultimately extending healthy lifespan and enhancing the quality of life for seniors. Oral frailty, in particular, pertains to the deterioration of essential oral functions including chewing, swallowing, and speaking—critical components for maintaining one's overall health.

Conclusion

The Aichi Digital Health Project exemplifies how collaborative efforts between private companies and local governments can drive significant advancements in public health. By focusing on frailty prevention and harnessing the power of digital health initiatives, we pave the way for a healthier, more resilient society going forward.