Global Successes Overcoming Dementia in Super-Aging Society

ORGANIZED REGISTRATION FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF DEMENTIA ON NATIONWIDE GENERAL CONSORTIUM TOWARD EFFECTIVE TREATMENT IN JAPAN (ORANGE REGISTRY)

Overcoming Dementia in Super-Aging Society

Japan, more than most countries, faces sharp increases in the proportion of its population aged 65 years and over. With that, the number of dementia sufferers is expected to increase even further, with 9 million cases predicted by 2040. Despite such a serious situation, progress in the development of preventative dementia medicine has slowed in the past 10 years.

In response, AMED developed the Orange Registry in 2016, with Dr. Kenji Toba (President of The National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology) as Principal Investigator. From the outset, we began to collect information from people with preclinical, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), slight, moderate and advanced dementia – as well as those without the disease – in order to clarify therapeutic methods and care techniques.

The nationwide registration and coordination system caters to the long-term follow-up period associated with dementia research and encourages novel ideas. It also assists in the clinical observation of dementia sufferers at each stage of their journey, from preclinical to dementia care.

Research shows that 21% of senior citizens, who at first appear healthy, are already at the MCI stage of dementia. During the early stages of MCI, recovery is possible, so careful observation and access to drug trials is an essential part of the Orange Registry.

At the pre-clinical stage, community-dwelling cohorts are urged to participate in dementia-related studies. Registrants of IROOP™ (Integrated Registry of Orange Plan) – an internet-based dementia study – answer simple questionnaires and undergo cognitive functionality checkups. Data gathered at this stage is used toward the study of pre-emptive medicine and lifestyle interventions.

Furthermore, AMED promotes best practices for dementia care and supports the research and development of innovative new technologies. As part of the Orange Plan, a partner robot and an unmanned care robot will be newly developed. Other recent activities include a study into the causation of hearing loss and dementia, and the development of an application for Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia in care facilities.

At present, there is no simple, non-invasive method of diagnosing dementia, while therapeutic and prophylactic treatments have yet to become standardized. Through the Orange Registry, AMED aims to be the first to develop new diagnosis methods, treatments, medication and care techniques to assist Japan’s super-aging society.

Concept

Establish a nationwide registry and coordination system for the clinical observation of dementia sufferers. Focus on each stage of dementia – from preclinical to mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia care. Develop new treatments, medications and care techniques by utilizing the accumulated data.

Progress

1,156 dementia sufferers and 32 dementia-related institutions have joined the Orange Registry (2016).

Collaborators

National Center of Neurology & Psychiatry, Tokyo Dementia Care Research and Training Center (care technology); Tokyo Metropolitan Geriatric Hospital and Institute of Gerontology (Itabashi cohort); National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, The Center for Comprehensive Care and Research on Memory Disorders (Obu cohort)

Last updated 09/20/18