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Comprehensive Treatment for Cancer Patients with Dementia at TGC Tokyo Cancer Clinic

Rising Healthcare Needs for Cancer Patients with Dementia

In recent years, the aging population has led to an increasing number of cancer patients diagnosed with concurrent dementia. According to estimates from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, by 2025, around 7 million elderly individuals are expected to have dementia. As the number of elderly cancer patients rises, it is anticipated that the number of individuals suffering from both conditions will further increase.

Currently, many medical facilities hesitate to provide proactive treatment to cancer patients with dementia, often leading to insufficient support and, in some cases, a premature halt in treatment. At TGC Tokyo Cancer Clinic, we believe in enhancing support precisely because dementia is present, establishing a comprehensive treatment system that encourages continued care rather than resignation.

Challenges in Cancer Treatment Due to Dementia

Patients with dementia facing a cancer diagnosis encounter several significant challenges during treatment:

1. Difficulties in Understanding Treatment and Obtaining Consent

Individuals with dementia may struggle to remember their diagnosis and condition. Therefore, they often find it difficult to comprehend the explanations provided regarding various treatment methods, such as “surgery,” “chemotherapy,” or “radiation therapy.” Misunderstandings can arise, leading them to forget information presented and feel confused about their circumstances, making informed consent almost impossible.

2. Barriers in Expressing Symptoms and Side Effects

Patients may have trouble clearly articulating symptoms like “chest pain” or “nausea,” which can result in overlooked suffering from chemotherapy side effects, such as tingling in the limbs or changes in taste. Standard tools for pain assessment may not be utilized effectively, leading to frustration for healthcare providers who struggle to interpret non-verbal expressions of discomfort.

3. Issues with Treatment Schedules and Medication Management

Patients often find it challenging to remember appointments, such as “visiting every Wednesday” or “taking medication twice a day.” They may be unable to grasp the necessity of treatment, leading to refusal of care. Forgetting whether they've taken medications can lead to overdosing or missing doses entirely, exacerbating their conditions.

4. Vulnerability to Treatment Side Effects

Older adults with concurrent dementia are at a higher risk for severe chemotherapy side effects, such as bone marrow suppression and kidney dysfunction. Additionally, changes in their health might go unreported due to their inability to communicate effectively, increasing the risk of complications.

5. Increased Burden on Family Caregivers

Family members face significant burdens from accompanying patients to medical appointments, managing medications, and monitoring side effects. Many express emotional fatigue from grappling with whether to pursue treatment or allow for a more natural progression. Lacking the ability to confirm the patient's will makes caregivers question their decisions, leading to feelings of guilt.

Our Comprehensive Support System

At TGC Tokyo Cancer Clinic, we practice healthcare tailored to the unique needs of cancer patients with coexisting dementia.

1. Individualized Treatment Plans Through Multidisciplinary Collaboration

We collaborate with doctors, nurses, and academic as well as dementia-related enterprises to comprehensively assess each patient’s cognitive level, physical status, and values. Based on this evaluation, we craft personalized treatment plans that carefully weigh the radicality of cancer treatment, the burdens incurred, and the quality of life remaining.

2. Strengthening Communication and Decision-Making Support

We provide clear information about treatment to patients and their families using easily understandable language, respecting the patients' wishes and facilitating informed decision-making. We engage in extensive dialogue with families to collectively determine optimal treatment paths.

3. Creating a Comfortable Treatment Environment

We ensure that our treatment environment minimizes anxiety for dementia patients. We strive to optimize appointment times and reduce waiting periods, and, if necessary, we’ll share information with partner institutions to support continuous care.

4. Family Assistance Programs

We conduct regular conferences to share treatment progress and future expectations. Our team is attentive to the emotional burdens families face and provides counseling support when needed.

5. Treatment Options Considering Patient Burden

We propose additional treatment options that may reduce side effects, taking into account the physical and mental burdens faced by patients with concurrent dementia. Each patient’s situation is thoroughly considered to prioritize continuous quality of life alongside cancer treatment.

Message from the Director

Kenji Kobayashi, Director
"Treating cancer in patients with concurrent dementia isn't solely about attacking cancer cells. It's essential to provide holistic support that respects the individuality of each patient and allows them to enjoy a high-quality, peaceful life. We will continue to work as a unified medical team to provide the best possible care for our patients and their families."

About Medical Corporation Ryououkai

Medical Corporation Ryououkai started its activities centered around TGC Tokyo Cancer Clinic, with the aim of contributing to regional healthcare. We have since expanded to OGC Osaka Cancer Clinic and continue to prioritize the delivery of high-quality medical care that takes into account patients’ mental and physical conditions and social backgrounds.

Contact Information

📞 Phone Consultation TEL: 0120-833-177
Hours: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
We invite those considering cancer treatment options or looking to organize their current treatment status to call us for an initial talk.
Note that complex inquiries may require additional time for verification or preparation of documents.
✉️ Email (Contact Form): Please reach out to us through our contact form.
Contact Form Here
Response times may vary, and for urgent matters, we recommend using the phone consultation service.

Clinic Overview

• - Name: Medical Corporation Ryououkai TGC Tokyo Cancer Clinic
• - Location: 9th floor, Chigiriya Tokyo Building, 1-9-15 Nihonbashi Muromachi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
• - Hours: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
• - Official Website: Website
• - TEL: 0120-833-177