#Japan #Tokyo #Dementia Care #Issue+Design #Theoria Technologies

Addressing Corporate Health Challenges with Theoria Technologies and Issue+Design

In an innovative collaboration, Theoria Technologies, headquartered in Chiyoda, Tokyo, and the nonprofit organization Issue+Design have developed a joint seminar aimed at corporate HR professionals and executives. Titled "Walking Through the World of Dementia: Practical Workshop × Brain Health Seminar," this initiative seeks to tackle two critical challenges faced by businesses in Japan: the growing number of 'business caregivers' due to an aging population and the importance of maintaining brain health among employees in an era of extended employment.

Given Japan's rapidly aging population, the number of individuals in their 40s and 50s who balance professional responsibilities with caregiving for family members suffering from dementia is on the rise. The physical and mental burdens associated with caregiving often hinder job performance and can lead to employees leaving the workforce altogether. This phenomenon, known as 'caregiving departure,' poses a significant risk regarding human capital losses for companies. Moreover, as the norm shifts toward prolonged employment, fostering the brain health of employees becomes a pivotal strategic issue that influences productivity, creativity, and the overall value of human capital.

Through the "Walking Through the World of Dementia" project, Issue+Design has committed itself to increasing understanding and reducing stigma surrounding dementia. Meanwhile, Theoria Technologies has been providing evidence-based information and developing solutions related to brain health in partnership with the Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology. By merging their unique approaches to addressing social issues, the two companies aim to offer concrete solutions for the challenges facing corporations, alongside fresh perspectives for building sustainable organizations.

Seminar Goals and Offerings

The forthcoming seminar will serve as a vital resource for addressing the dual challenges of caregiving departure risk and brain health, presenting scientifically supported solutions based on practical methodologies.

Value Proposition

1. Mitigating Caregiving Departure Risk
- Participants will gain experiential insight into the behaviors of individuals with dementia, allowing them to brainstorm appropriate responses. This understanding helps alleviate anxiety by shifting the perception of caregiving from a burden to a manageable experience. Research indicates that knowing the underlying reasons for certain behaviors leads to a more accommodating mindset.
- Participants will learn to view the actions of those with dementia not as problems but rather as phenomena, enabling them to adopt effective communication strategies and lifestyle designs to ease caregiving burdens.

2. Enhancing Employee Productivity and Sustainability (Brain Health)
- Attendees will explore effective methods for maintaining and improving brain health that directly impact their current job performance, preparing them for potential future cognitive decline.
- Under the supervision of Dr. Jun Iwata, Deputy Director of the Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, the seminar will outline evidence-backed strategies for actionable behavioral change that can be initiated immediately, empowering each employee to manage their brain health proactively.

3. Proven Positive Impact on Awareness
- In the development stages of this seminar, more than 600 participants provided feedback, with over 90% expressing satisfaction and a change in their awareness regarding dementia. Notably, 93.9% reported feeling that dementia is personally relevant to them, while 83.4% acknowledged a shift in their perceptions of individuals living with dementia.

Upcoming Seminar Experience

On November 28, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM, a free online experience will be held, catered to corporate leaders and HR personnel. This session aims to uncover new strategies for workforce support and maximizing the value of human capital.

Seminar Details:

• - Title: Essential HR Strategies in an Aging Society: Unpacking Employee Caregiving Stress and Brain Health Using Design and Science
• - Format: Online (Zoom)
• - Audience: Corporate executives, HR and general affairs representatives, health management advocates
• - Registration Link: Sign Up Here

Agenda Overview

Part 1: Issue+Design’s 'Walking Through the World of Dementia Seminar' (20 minutes) - Attendees will experience the daily realities of individuals living with dementia from their perspective, leading to greater understanding and practical tips for reducing caregiving stress through proper communication and design.

Part 2: Theoria Technologies’ 'Brain Health Seminar' (20 minutes) - This segment, guided by Dr. Jun Iwata, will delve into the relationship between brain health, daily life, and work. Participants will learn evidence-based approaches for immediate behavioral change designed to support employee brain health management and, in turn, job performance improvement.

We invite all interested parties to register for this insightful seminar experience as we work together to address these significant societal challenges.

About Issue+Design

Founded in 2008, Issue+Design aims to solve social challenges through creativity and design, involving citizens, government, and businesses. The organization has launched numerous design initiatives addressing various societal issues, from disaster recovery support to inclusive health resources.

For more information: Issue+Design Website

About Theoria Technologies

As part of the Eisai Group, Theoria Technologies is dedicated to using technology to transform the approach to dementia, striving for comprehensive solutions from prevention to care management. Founded on September 4, 2023, and headquartered in Chiyoda, Tokyo, Theoria leverages extensive insights acquired through engagement with dementia sufferers, their families, and healthcare professionals.

For more details: Theoria Technologies Website