As Japan becomes a super-aging nation, the topic of dementia risk reduction is attracting great attention from society. The National Framework for Promotion of Dementia Policies approved by Cabinet decision in June 2019 states that inclusion and prevention are to be advanced in parallel. Research on dementia risk factors is now progressing and various activities like exercise and social participation are being expanded. Article 21 of the Basic Policies of the Dementia Basic Act for an Inclusive Society (or, the “Dementia Basic Act”) enacted in June 2023 also included, “Implement policies needed to enable willing participants to engage in appropriate and scientifically sound activities for dementia and mild cognitive impairment.”

People often misinterpret “dementia prevention” to mean “not developing dementia”, but Japanese policy documents, for example, divide it into three categories: primary prevention (delaying onset), secondary prevention (early detection, diagnosis, and intervention), and tertiary prevention (preventing severe complications, maintaining function, and responding to BPSD). Although prevention spans a very long period of time, each of its phases is related, meaning “dementia prevention” requires a seamless response. For example, while paying careful attention to delaying onset, one must be ready to quickly transition to the phase for early detection, diagnosis, and intervention.

Methods of approaching dementia risk are beginning to transform to require earlier responses with greater emphasis on actions taken on the individual level. This is an ongoing trend in Japan and around the world, and it is safe to say that it will be an inevitable part of future developments in medicine. This symposium will be an opportunity to consider how civil society should respond to the individualization of risk and what actions should be taken by society as a whole. We will introduce the latest studies and initiatives for dementia risk, including examples from overseas, as well as share methods of approaching risks with society from the perspectives of industry, government, academia, and civil society. We will also consider how to best develop public-private partnerships and utilize private sector solutions. Finally, from the perspective of dementia, we will deepen discussions on how to best structure financial resources and the burdens associated with measures for prevention and health promotion.

[Event Overview]

• Date and Time: Tuesday, December 12, 2023; 17:00 – 20:30 JST
• Format: Online (Zoom Webinars); the lecture archive will be available at a later date
• Language: Japanese and English, with simultaneous interpretation
• Participation fee: Free
• Host: Health and Global Policy Institute
• Sponsor:
  Integra LifeSciences Corporation.
  Splink,Inc.
  Sompo Holdings, Inc.
  National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS) Global Health Innovation Policy Program (GHIPP)

[Programme] (Titles omitted; in Japanese syllabary order)