OBJECTIVES:This study examined longitudinal changes in episodic memory performance in SuperAgers (SAs) and typical older adults (TOAs), focusing on whether SAs avoid age-related decline or show a slower rate of decline. METHODS:Data were drawn from the Yakumo Study. Participants who completed episodic memory assessments on at least two occasions between ages 60 and 85 were classified as SAs or TOAs based on Logical Memory Test performance. Age-related changes were analyzed using regression models including age, group, and their interaction. RESULTS:SAs performed significantly better than TOAs across the observed age range. A significant Age × Group interaction was found, indicating different rates of decline between groups (F(1, 678) = 7.26, p = .007). Although memory performance declined significantly in both groups, the decline was less pronounced in SAs (β =  -0.164) than in TOAs (β =  -0.316). Analyses of standardized scores further showed that SAs maintained their relative cognitive standing more effectively than TOAs. CONCLUSIONS:SAs are not immune to age-related decline but exhibit a significantly attenuated rate of decline. These findings suggest that super-aging reflects both superior baseline memory performance and greater preservation over time, consistent with Brain Maintenance and Cognitive Reserve frameworks.

While prior research on forgiveness has focused primarily on direct victims, little attention has been paid to third parties. Therefore, the present study examined how forgiveness emerges among third parties who have not directly experienced harm. Forgiveness is broadly defined as positive changes in negative emotions and cognitions. Although anger has been widely examined as a central negative emotion in forgiveness research, the specific cognitive processes involved in forgiveness have yet to be fully clarified. In our previous work, we proposed perceived threat as a key target of cognitive change and distinguished two forms of threat: victim-related threat and worldview threat, defined as perceived threats to positive beliefs about society and other people. Furthermore, when the victim was the self, a lower perceived likelihood of harm recurrence?derived from appraisals of both the perpetrator and the physical circumstances?was found to alleviate anger and perceived threat. A total of 143 university students read a scenario describing a fatal traffic accident involving children. Participants then read additional scenarios manipulating recurrence likelihood in two ways: physical and cognitive recurrences. The unforgiveness, anger, victim-related threat, and worldview threat were measured before and after the manipulation. Results showed that lower cognitive and physical recurrence likelihood reduced unforgiveness and anger, supporting the idea that third-party forgiveness can occur through emotional attenuation. Victim-related threat was also reduced, particularly under low cognitive recurrence conditions, partially supporting the hypothesis. In contrast, worldview threat increased after manipulation and was not alleviated by reduced recurrence likelihood, indicating that threats to broader social beliefs may be resistant to such interventions. Overall, the findings suggest that third-party forgiveness involves emotional and cognitive components similar to those of direct victims.

Background: This cross-sectional study examined the association between body mass index (BMI) and executive function (EF) in older adults, with a focus on the moderating role of attitudes toward own aging (ATOA). Method: A total of 431 community-dwelling elderly individuals from Yakumo Town and Kyoto City, Japan, participated between 2023 and 2024. EF was assessed using the Digit Cancellation Test (D-CAT), and ATOA was measured via a validated subscale of the Philadelphia Geriatric Center Morale Scale. Results: Multiple linear regression analyses adjusted for demographic and health covariates revealed a significant interaction between BMI and ATOA in the younger-old cohort. Specifically, higher BMI was associated with lower executive function only in individuals with lower ATOA scores. No such association was observed in those with more positive views on aging. Conclusions: These results indicate that positive psychological constructs, particularly favorable self-perceptions of aging, may serve as protective factors against the detrimental cognitive consequences of increased body mass index in younger-old populations.

When asked about their subjective age, middle-aged and older adults generally report that they perceive themselves to be 10-20 % younger than their calendar age. It has been pointed out that it may serve as a convenient indicator of individual wellness among the older adults. This study examined regional and era differences in subjective age perception among the older adults using the Proportional Discrepancy Score (PDS), which is expressed as the ratio of subjective age to calendar age, as an index. In Study 1, we compared the subjective age of 117 urban residents (urban group) and 148 rural residents (rural group) aged 65 years or older. The urban group showed no difference from that of the rural group in PDS values, but there were significant differences in the distribution of PDS sizes. The PDS in the urban group was almost normally distributed around a class perceived to be 10-15 % younger than calendar age, while in the rural group it was distributed around a class not perceived to be younger than calendar age and a class perceived to be 30 % younger. In Study 2, we investigated whether there were any differences in subjective age perception over a 14-year period for 285 residents of the same rural area. As a result, there was a significant difference in PDS values but no difference in the distribution pattern of PDS sizes. This difference was due to a shift in subjective age perception towards younger people over the 14-year period. These results confirmed that subjective age perception is not only an indicator that sensitively reflects the characteristics of the area in which the elderly live but is also influenced by the era in which the elderly lived.

The purpose of this research was to clarify the relation between oral frailty, nutrition and cognitive factors in community-dwelling elderly persons (N =184, male = 74, female = 110). Oral frailty (oral frailty screening questionnaire), a chewing questionnaire and swallowing screening (EAT) were t-tested for food diversity, nutritional status, MMSE, and attention-execution cognitive function tests (Stroop, D-CAT tests), which are associated with nutritional decline. Regarding chewing, those persons who answered “Yes” to the question “Is chewing squid the same hardness as takuan (pickled radish)?” were significantly higher in the D-CAT test, and their tongue pressure was also higher (p = .036, p = .022). In addition, those who answered “Yes” to “Can you chew something as hard as a carrot?” were significantly less likely to have swallowing screening (EAT) and had a lower risk of swallowing function (p = .043). Tongue pressure related to chewing and swallowing functions was significantly correlated with age, BMI, and grip strength (r = –.278, r = .279, r = .292). Those with less difficulty in swallowing function had significantly better results in the D-CAT test (r = –.240). Grip strength, tongue pressure, serum albumin, and serum hemoglobin were significantly higher in those with a BMI of 21.0 or higher (p = .021, p = .001, p = .023, p = .025). Therefore, the tongue pressure value was suggested as an index for chewing and swallowing and as an indicator of early malnutrition prevention.

The relationship between subjective age, which was asked in the question “How old do you feel, aside from your chronological age?,” and cognitive function (attention and executive function) were investigated. We examined changes in the cognitive function of the same person measured in their 60s after 10 years based on the longitudinal study. Participants were assigned to “Feel younger” group whose subjective age is younger, “Feel older” group judged to be older than chronological age, and intermediate “Moderate” group. Attention function was evaluated by the D-CAT and the executive function was evaluated by the Stroop effect size. As the result, the “Feel younger” group was superior to the “Feel older” and “Moderate” groups in terms of D-CAT performance, and this group showed the same level of performance even after 10 years. There was no significant difference in the Stroop effect size among the three groups. These results suggest the possibility that an awareness of subjectively young in 60s affects the subsequent 10 years after on the attention function.

In the present study, we identified the factors of cognitive and physical performances predicting self-rated health perception (SRH) using an SRH questionnaire in 660 (298 men and 362 women) upper-middle-aged community dwellers. In addition, neuropsychological test battery and physical ability tests were applied. A multiple regression analysis was conducted using the forced entry method; digit cancellation test (D-CAT1), logical memory test, verbal fluency test, back strength, timed-up and-go (TUG), balancing test, age, and sex were independent variables, and SRH was used as the dependent variable. The results showed that variables of D-CAT1(β = 0.175, p < 0.001), TUG(β = −0.095, p < 0.026) and body mass index (BMI; β = 0.095, p < 0.018) significantly predicted participants’ SRH, whereas other variables, including sex, did not contribute significantly. D-CAT1 exerted the strongest effect on SRH. These findings indicate that upper-middle-aged individuals use their cognitive and physical performances that strongly relate to the prefrontal cortex functions to form SRH. Based on these findings, we discussed the possible effective strategies that the health-promoting staff of the local government can implement to sustain or increase the SRH of community dwellers.

We describe a case of recalcitrant phaeohyphomycosis caused by Exophiala lecanii-corni, which was previously reported as Exophiala jeanselmei, infection. A 63-year-old Japanese woman presented with a 15-year history of multiple pruritic erythematous patches and plaques on the face. Histopathological examination and fungal culture revealed phaeohyphomycosis by E. jeanselmei. The attempted treatments included 6 g/day 5-flucytosine (5-FC), 100 mg/day itraconazole (ITCZ), and local hyperthermia. 5-FC was effective initially, but the patient deteriorated after discontinuation. Subsequently, she was referred to our hospital. Histopathological examination showed granuloma with multinucleated giant cells with infiltrating fungal hyphae in the dermis. The causative fungus was finally identified as E. lecanii-corni by ribosomal RNA gene analysis. The patient improved after receiving 200 mg/day ITCZ orally for 15 months with local hyperthermia. In the present case, we confirmed the identification of E. lecanii-corni as the causative agent by molecular methods. We also emphasize the importance of combination therapy with antimycotic agents and local hyperthermia in phaeohyphomycosis.

MC5R is known for its role in the exocrine function of sebaceous glands, but other functions in the epidermis remain unclear. This study focused on the relationship between MC5R and homeostasis in the epidermis and examined the role of MC5R in mice whose skin was irradiated with UVB waves. UVB irradiation-induced skin ulcers and severe inflammation at lower doses in homozygotes of MC5R-deficient (i.e., MC5R-'-) mice (150 mJ/ cm2) than the doses in wild-type mice (500 mJ/cm2). Transepidermal water loss was increased (approximately 10-fold) in adult MC5R-'- mice compared with that in wild-type mice. In neonates, a dye exclusion assay showed no remarkable difference between MC5R-'- and wild-type mice. After UVB irradiation, compared with wild-type mice, MC5R-'- mice showed increased inflammatory cell infiltration in the dermis of the ulcerative region, significantly increased thickness of the epidermis in the nonulcerative region, significantly more prickle cells in the nonulcerative region, and increased serum IL-6 levels but decreased IL-10 levels. Transmission electron microscopy revealed fewer lamellar granules, less lipid secretion, and an expansion of the trans-Golgi network in the epidermis in MC5R-'- mice. This study elucidated the increased sensitivity to UVB irradiation and decreased barrier function in MC5R-'-mice.

本研究では，過去の怒り体験を広義のトラウマ体験とし，怒り反すう特性がストレス反応であるPTSRの予測因であり，とくに怒り反すう特性の下位尺度である怒り熟考や怒り体験想起が強く関連することについて検討した。広義のトラウマとは，必ずしも生命を脅かす危険なものではなく，また，その出来事の最中や直後に強い恐怖感，無力感，戦慄を与えるものでもないが，経験当時と同じ恐怖や不快感を当該個人にもたらし続ける出来事を指す（佐藤，2005）。参加者は4年制大学の学生255名（女性170名，男性85名）で，日本語版怒り反すう尺度（ARS）とPTSRを測定する改定出来事インパクト尺度日本語版（IES-R）に回答した。IES-Rの合計点とその下位尺度得点を基準変数に，ARSの下位尺度得点を説明変数とする重回帰分析を行った結果，全ての基準変数について怒り体験想起による影響が最も大きく，回避症状を除く基準変数について怒り熟考の影響が示された。しかし，報復思考の影響は示されなかった。以上のことから，怒り反すうにおける怒り熟考と体験想起はPTSRの予測因であることが示唆された。

Possible age-related differences in Phonemic Fluency Test (PET) and Semantic Fluency Test (SET) performance were examined by using longitudinal data of healthy older adults. The performance trajectories of 81 older adults in the 2 tests were analyzed for 11 years, from 65 to 75 years of age, via individually calculated linear regression coefficients. The results indicated that the PFT and SFT performance showed an age-related decline. However, the declining slope of the SFT was steeper than that of the PFT performance. These findings correspond with those of previous cross-sectional studies and suggest a future need to examine neurobiological substrates underlying the two domains of verbal fluency abilities.

To examine the relationship between dysuria and cognitive function, we compared cognitive function test (D-CAT, letter fluency test, semantic fluency test, and logical memory test) performances, body fat percentage, BMI between the MD group (N = 112, 40-89 years old) and the Intact group (N = 102, 40-87 years old). Participants who did not reach UI but experienced dysuria assessed by Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS) were classified to the MD. As a result, D-CAT showed a significant group difference. This finding suggests a decline in the frontal lobe function for the MD group and it reconfirms the results of our previous study on UI (Hatta et al., 2011), which slows the decline of higher brain function. We discussed the importance of the training of the frontal cortex function from early stage of MD symptoms such as pollakiuria.

To address the question whether age-related decline is an independent phenomenon or an interrelated phenomenon between cognitive and motor functions, the behavioral test (Digit Cancellation Test: D-CAT) that addresses the frontal lobe function and mobility performance test (WS: walking speed and TUG: timed up and go) were administered to 240 (108 Men and 132 Women) healthy community dwelling upper-middle and elderly people, and the possible mutual relationship was examined. Participants were divided into two groups by median based on the results of motor function test and the results of cognitive function test were compared. The group with superior motor function in WS and TUG showed superior results in cognitive function test. These results suggest that the motor system loop and the cognitive system loop that compose the basal ganglia network may be interrelated in association with each other as they age. The results of this study provide a scientific basis for strategies that use vestibular function and basal ganglia network as a means to slow down the rate of age-related decline in cognitive function in elderly people.

Handedness difference in the age-related cognitive decline was examined. Participants were healthy middle aged left-handed (n = 22, 10 men and 12 women) and right-handed (22 men and 56 women). Digit cancellation performance decline ratios were calculated by the longitudinal Digit Cancellation Test data with an interval of 10 years. Performance decline ratios were compared for handedness and sex concerning to D-CAT1 (1-digit cancellation condition) and D-CAT3 (3-digits cancellation condition) performances. The results indicated first that the performance decline ratio in the left-handed was significantly larger than that in the right-handed both in D-CAT1 and D-CAT3, suggestive of low aging tolerance of executive function in left-handed people. Moreover, there was a significant sex difference such that men demonstrated a larger decline in D-CAT3, which demands more considerable cognitive resources, compared to D-CAT1, whereas this was not observed in women. Possible executive function mechanisms during aging were discussed in relation to handedness and sex.

The present study examined possible influences of perfectionism and narcissism on anger rumination. Ninety-five undergraduates completed the Japanese version of Anger Rumination Scale (ARS), the Multidimensional Perfectionism Cognition Inventory (MPCI), and the Narcissistic Personality Inventory-Short Version (NPI-S). Multiple regression analysis revealed that “concern over mistake” subscale of the MPCI, “need for attention and praise” and “a sense of superiority and competence” subscale of the NPI-S were predictors of anger rumination. The results showed that “a sense of superiority and competence” was a negative predictor of anger rumination as Hatta et al. (2018) has proposed. The effects of perfectionism and narcissism on anger rumination might be restrictive, so further investigation should be needed.

Positive psychology is recognized as an important contributing factor in terms of well-being. Positive psychological constructs as dispositional optimism or purpose in life have been linked to positive health outcomes. However, there is little research in relation to it within the dementia field. In the present study we investigate an association between dispositional optimism and cognitive functions in the middle aged and the older. Participants were 285 community-dwelling middle aged and older persons without dementia. The cognitive functions were measured by means of logical memory test, Money road test, Stroop test, D-CAT (digit cancellation test), verbal fluency test and MMSE. Dispositional optimism was assessed using 10 item questionnaire adapted from Japanese versions of the Life Orientation Test-Revised. Participants were divided into three dispositional optimism groups (upper, middle and lower) based on the score of the questionnaire. ANCOVA, using age, sex and education as covariate, dispositional optimism group as independent variables, and scores on the cognitive tasks as dependent variables, was conducted to investigate the effect of positive psychological constructs on the age-related decline of cognitive functions. A significant main effect of dispositional optimism was shown for the score on digit cancellation test and verbal fluency test. The score of these cognitive functions in lower optimism group was lower than that in the other groups. Greater dispositional optimism is associated with higher cognitive functions. It became clear that positive psychological constructs could reduce a risk of cognitive decline.

Relations between cognitive and cerebello-thalamo-cortical functions in healthy elderly people (65-75 years old) were examined by longitudinal behavioral data. Based on the individually calculated cognitive decline ratio in D-CAT (digit cancelation test) and in LMT (Logical Memory Test) during the period of 11 years, participants were classified into the Decline and the Maintain groups and group differences in the postural tremor measures (Quotient of Romberg) were compared. Significant group differences were shown in the postural tremor measure in D-CAT that reflects prefrontal function, but it was not the case in LMT. These results strengthened our previous findings that suggest a strong relation between the cerebello-thalamo-cortical function and the prefrontal cortex function using behavioral measures. Findings provide evidence that to strengthen postural function such as physical exercise is effective for slowing cognitive decline with age.