The National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, six universities including Tohoku University, the National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition, and the Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology have launched a large-scale empirical study called the "J-DEPP Study (JAPAN DEMENTIA EARLY PHASE PROJECT)" with the aim of establishing a unique Japanese model for early detection and early intervention of dementia.
This research will tackle three themes: "large-scale demonstration of early detection of dementia risk," "setting benchmark values for tests to examine dementia risk," and "verifying the usefulness of blood biomarkers for early detection of dementia risk." Based on the research results, a guide will be created that can be used as reference by local governments across the country.
In addition to Tohoku University, the universities participating in the research include Tottori University, Kagoshima University, Akita University, Kobe University, and Sapporo Medical University. The research team will cooperate with 41 local governments across the country to carry out cognitive function tests on more than 1 elderly people using methods unique to each local government.
Prior to this, multiple tests will be conducted on 500 elderly people each in Miyagi and Aichi prefectures, and standard values will be created to ensure that there are no discrepancies in cognitive function assessments between tests. This will allow people to visit medical institutions under uniform standards nationwide, regardless of which testing method each local government uses.
Elderly people who are diagnosed as needing detailed testing are encouraged to visit a medical institution, and in follow-up surveys several months later, they are asked whether they actually visited a medical institution, what activities they have been taking to prevent dementia since their visit, and whether they have received support from community comprehensive support centers or dementia cafes.
Based on these results, the most appropriate methods of testing in each region and how to appeal to residents will be identified, as well as factors that prevent people from visiting medical institutions and taking preventive measures.
