How to recognize MCI? Predicted to hit 1 in 3, TOKYOJune 17 (News On Japan) – Located in Shinjuku, Tokyo, the ‘Kenno Cafe’ aims to prevent dementia through recreational activities such as exercise for people concerned about the condition.
An 86-year-old man commuting from Tokyo says, “At my age, dementia is a problem. I joined because I thought there might be tips to avoid this.’
A 67-year-old man commuting from Yokohama adds, “My mother eventually developed dementia and went to an institution. I didn’t recognize the signals and later regretted my ignorance.’
Last month, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare predicted that by 2040, one in three people over 65 will have dementia or MCI (mild cognitive impairment). This is the first time that the government has estimated the number of MCI patients.
What influences the onset of dementia?
Dr. Arai, a leading dementia researcher and operator of the cafe, explains that prevention in the MCI stage can significantly delay the onset of dementia.
MCI, or mild cognitive impairment, is an intermediate stage between normal aging and dementia, characterized by decline in memory and attention, but not severe enough to disrupt daily life.
Dr. Arai states that without prevention, about half of MCI patients will develop dementia within five years. However, appropriate prevention may help some people (about 15-40%) regain normal cognitive function.
Dr. Arai: ‘MCI is the most popular topic in current medical research. It’s like putting out a smoldering fire before it spreads into full-blown dementia.”
Tanaka (a pseudonym), who has been visiting the café for six months, was diagnosed with MCI last year.
Tanaka, 80, diagnosed with MCI last year, says: ‘I can live alone now, but as the symptoms progress it will become problematic. I feel like I’m on the edge. If it gets worse, I’ll be in the dementia group.’
In addition to participating in activities at the café, Tanaka takes lecanemab, a groundbreaking new drug that was just approved for insurance coverage last December. This drug removes the substance that causes dementia and slows its progression.
Even though the symptoms aren’t severe enough to disrupt daily life, Tanaka says there’s one thing he can’t live without.
Tanaka, 80, was diagnosed with MCI last year and says: ‘I take notes. Even now I get told when something is on, but by the time I get home I’ve forgotten about it. Sometimes I forget the day of a planned meeting with friends…’
Meanwhile, non-drug prevention methods are becoming increasingly widespread and accessible.
What are the new initiatives at ‘Boke-fuji’ Kannon?
Me-Tele’s Kana Komatsuzaki reports from Tamagawa Daishi in Setagaya, Tokyo, known for his blessings against dementia. The temple attracts many visitors on weekends.
Chief Priest Shinho says, “There’s a speaker up ahead.” “Can you hear the sutras?” “Yes, it sounds a bit distorted, like it’s echoing.” “You can feel the vibration, can’t you?”
The temple uses the latest speaker technology, ‘kikippa’, to process sutra sounds and output them as ‘special sounds’.
Listening to the “processed sound” compared to the “original sound” reveals the difference.
Chief Priest Shinho says, “You can feel the reverberation, right?”
How does this ‘processed sound’ relate to the prevention of dementia?
The company that developed the technology explains that listening to these “processed sounds” can generate “gamma waves” in the brain, which are related to focus and memory. Research shows that gamma waves can reduce amyloid beta, a protein linked to dementia.
Dr. Arai emphasizes the importance of combining different prevention methods.
Dr. Hiraishi Arai of the Alzheimer’s Clinic Tokyo says: ‘No method can prevent or cure Alzheimer’s disease, humanity’s greatest enemy. If everyone understands the importance of prevention, a major social movement can emerge.’
Source: ANN
