Raising Awareness About Dementia in Kokubunji City
In a significant move to promote dementia prevention and awareness, Kokubunji City in Tokyo has entrusted Millennia Co., a subsidiary of the Sento Care Group, with the execution of a new initiative slated for fiscal year 2025. This program is aimed specifically at residents aged 50 and above, marking a proactive approach within the community to address cognitive health.
Overview of the Initiative
The dementia prevention initiative is designed for citizens living in Kokubunji City who are 50 years old and above. As part of this campaign, Millennia's cognitive function scale, known as the “Atama no Kenko Check®,” has been adopted as a tool for assessment. The project will facilitate six health check sessions throughout the year at various facilities within the city, allowing residents to evaluate their cognitive health and gain information on preventing cognitive decline.
This initiative coincides with Tokyo's new recommendations to expand dementia awareness efforts to include individuals starting at the age of 50, rather than the previous cutoff of 70. It stands as a pioneering example of proactive efforts in dementia awareness, aiming for early detection and intervention.
Goals of the Project
The basic principle underlying this program is the new outlook on dementia introduced post the enforcement of the Basic Act on Dementia Policies. This legislation emphasizes that dementia can affect anyone, and it seeks to ensure that members of the middle-aged and older demographic have access to accurate information about cognitive health. Thus, the initiative aims to foster a community where individuals with dementia can maintain their dignity and live with hope.
By raising awareness among residents over 50, the project seeks to cultivate a sense of urgency and action when it comes to understanding and addressing dementia.
Community Engagement through Lectures
In September, which is recognized as World Alzheimer’s Month, the initiative will host public lectures featuring experts from Ishikawa Prefecture's Shiroishi City, known for their ongoing efforts in dementia awareness and early intervention. This event will highlight successful practices and introduce necessary steps for fostering cognitive health from an early stage.
Event Details:
- - Date: September 27, 2025 (Saturday), from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM (Doors open at 1:30 PM)
- - Location: Cocobinji Plaza Rion Hall AB, directly accessible from JR Kokubunji Station
- - Lecture Topic: “Preparing for Dementia: Early Detection and Response in Shiroishi City”
- - Speaker: Kunihiko Yokoyama, Director of Radiological Integrated Care Center, Public Matsu Denu Ishikawa Central Hospital
- - Capacity: 200 people on a first-come, first-served basis.
After the lecture, registration for upcoming health check sessions will be made available.
Health Check Sessions
Moreover, residents over 50 can sign up for the Atama no Kenko Check ups starting from September 2, 2025. The initiative plans to host about six health check sessions throughout the fiscal year, accommodating up to 600 participants. This provides a rare opportunity for middle-aged and older adults to gauge their cognitive health proactively.
This program aligns with Tokyo's broader goal to expand dementia education and screening to those aged 50 and above. Additionally, Kokubunji City has taken the initiative to create informative brochures aimed at residents under 65, ensuring that younger generations also have access to valuable dementia-related information and resources.
Ongoing Support and Community Involvement
Millennia Co. continues to actively collaborate with municipalities and medical associations to implement dementia-related initiatives effectively. With their extensive experience and knowledge, they are committed to fostering environments where health awareness is prioritized, aiming to ensure that all individuals can approach dementia with confidence. Through supportive measures and ongoing education, the objective is to contribute to a society where individuals with dementia can live dignified lives.
To keep the community informed, resources, informational videos, and online consultation forms are available via the dedicated website for the Atama no Kenko Checks. This aims to engage local residents fully and ensure participation in the program.
In conclusion, the Kokubunji City dementia awareness initiative represents a crucial step forward in community health, emphasizing preventive measures, education, and dignified living for those affected by dementia.