Application of brain MR image analysis for dementia prevention

Yasuyuki Taki¹⁾²⁾

¹⁾Department of Aging Research and Geriatric Medicine, Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer, Tohoku University
²⁾Smart Ageing International Research Center, Tohoku University

In Japan, we are confronting a hyper-ageing society.　The increasing number of people with dementia is a heavy burden on not only individuals and their families, but also our country in terms of medical and nursing care costs.　In particular, it has become clear that the difference between average life expectancy and healthy life expectancy is approximately 10 years or more for both men and women, and dementia is the most common cause of certification as a need for long-term care.　From this perspective, primary prevention for dementia and secondary prevention for dementia is very important.　In this article, I introduce age-related changes of brain and the factors that accelerate or inhibit these changes, and then outline two programs for primary and secondary prevention of dementia based on image analysis using the latest brain imaging techniques from our laboratory.

Address correspondence to Dr. Yasuyuki Taki, Department of Aging Research and Geriatric Medicine, Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer, Tohoku University (4-1 Seiryo-Machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8575, Japan)