title: Descriptive epidemiology of prion disease in Japan: 1999-2012.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Epidemiologic features of prion diseases in Japan, in particular morbidity and mortality, have not been clarified.
  
  
  METHODS
  Since 1999, the Research Committee has been conducting surveillance of prion diseases, and the surveillance data were used to assess incident cases of prion diseases. For the observation of fatal cases, vital statistics were used.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Both incidence and mortality rates of prion diseases increased during the 2000s in Japan. However, this increase was observed only in relatively old age groups.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The increased number of patients among old age groups might be due to increased recognition of the diseases. If so, the number of cases should plateau in the near future.
authors.affiliation: Department of Public Health, Jichi Medical University.
authors.forename: Yosikazu
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Nakamaura
authors.forename: Ryusuke
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Ae
authors.forename: Ichiro
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Takumi
authors.forename: Nobuo
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Sanjo
authors.forename: Tetsuyuki
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Kitamoto
authors.forename: Masahito
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Yamada
authors.forename: Hidehiro
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Mizusawa
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007564:Japan / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011159:Population Surveillance; D017096:Prion Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000401:mortality; D055815:Young Adult