#Japan #Tokyo #oral health #Dementia Awareness #Aging Dentistry

Innovative Strategies for Dementia Prevention by Dental Professionals

Japan is facing a significant challenge with the number of dementia patients expected to reach 7 million by 2025. This staggering statistic underscores the reality that, in an aging society, addressing dementia is not just a concern for specialists but a collective responsibility for the nation. To confront this urgent issue, the Japanese Society of Anti-Aging Dentistry, led by President Mitsuo Matsuo, is organizing a seminar focusing on the vital contributions of dental professionals to dementia care.

Scheduled for July 5, 2026, at the Iidabashi Rainbow Building in Shinjuku, Tokyo, this seminar titled "Contributions of Dental Professionals in Dementia Care" will delve into innovative approaches that dental practitioners can adopt. As dementia care currently leans heavily towards diagnosis, medication, and caregiving, the integration of preventive strategies remains underdeveloped. This is where the dental field can play a transformative role.

Emerging evidence highlights a profound connection between oral function and cognitive health. Factors like diminished chewing ability, swallowing difficulties, ill-fitting dentures, malnutrition, and poor oral hygiene are not merely dental issues; they can act as gateways leading to pneumonia, frailty, social isolation, and nutritional deficits—all of which can contribute to cognitive decline. Consequently, dental professionals are uniquely positioned to intervene before the onset of dementia. This approach signifies a paradigm shift in dental healthcare, moving beyond traditional roles to encompass proactive health management.

As the number of elderly patients continues to rise, it is imperative for dental clinics to expand their responsibilities. They need to:

• - Detect early indicators of cognitive decline.
• - Support patients' ability to eat and maintain nutritional health.
• - Collaborate effectively with families and caregivers.
• - Engage in community-based care models.

This evolving landscape represents both a clinical challenge and a pivotal theme that will influence the future of dental practice management. The seminar will feature keynote speaker Kazuhiko Kono, Director of the Nagoya Forest Clinic and a leading authority in dementia research. Dr. Kono will share insights on the latest advancements in dementia care and articulate the new roles expected of dental healthcare professionals in this field.

In addition to Dr. Kono's talk, President Mitsuo Matsuo will present on "Dental Interventions for Dementia". Another contributor, Makoto Suzuki, founder of IT Supply Co. and creator of the Kabe Tango method, will discuss awareness initiatives aimed at dementia prevention. The seminar promises a multi-faceted perspective on the future of collaborative efforts between medical and dental sectors.

Attendees will also receive practical tools for immediate implementation in their practices, such as:

• - A simplified questionnaire for dementia assessment.
• - Illustrative materials explaining the Kono Method.
• - A list of affiliated dementia specialists.
• - Patient educational resources for dental offices.

This seminar will not only disseminate crucial knowledge but also provide a rare opportunity to engage in specific discussions about:

• - What distinguishes a preferred dental practice in the dementia era?
• - How should the approach towards elderly patients be redesigned?
• - In what ways can dentistry fulfill its role within community healthcare?

We welcome a broad spectrum of participants, including dentists, dental hygienists, physicians, nurses, care workers, dental technicians, co-dental staff, veterinarians, and interested members of the public. This event represents a new practice model that intersects dementia care, dental healthcare, and community support, drawing intense interest from stakeholders in healthcare, caregiving, and public administration.

Media representatives are encouraged to apply for interviews and coverage of this pivotal event.

Event Overview

Seminar Title: Collaboration Between Medical and Dental Care: Contributions of Dental Professionals to Dementia Care
Date: July 5, 2026, 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Venue: Iidabashi Rainbow Building, 2F Conference Room, 11 Iidabashi, Shinjuku City, Tokyo
Capacity: 100 participants (first-come-first-served basis)
Fees:

• - Dentists, Physicians, Veterinarians: ¥22,000 (tax included)
• - Dental Hygienists, Technicians, Nurses, Co-Dental Staff, Public: ¥11,000 (tax included)

Credits: 2 units for certification renewal by the Japanese Society of Anti-Aging Dentistry
Registration Deadline: June 30, 2026
Registration Page: Event Registration
Organizer: Japanese Society of Anti-Aging Dentistry
Official Website: JD-AA

For Inquiries:
Japanese Society of Anti-Aging Dentistry, Office TEL: 03-3477-1085 E-mail: [email protected]

Press Inquiries: PR Officer Nobuaki Taguchi Mail: [email protected]