20220324 Data Watch

People's healthy lifespans may be cut short if physical deterioration and dementia are left untreated.

COVID fears raise Japan's dementia risks as seniors shun hospitals

Doctors warn avoiding treatment could cut healthy life expectancy

TOKYO -- The spread of COVID-19 is not the only pandemic-related health risk cropping up in Japan. Seniors, who are more likely to fall seriously ill if they contract the virus, are putting off visiting hospitals for other ailments.

The number of patients receiving physical therapy or treatment for dementia has decreased 20% to 30% since the coronavirus outbreak began, data shows. This can have serious, tangible consequences.

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