Creating a society where everyone who wishes to engage in dementia-prevention activities may do so

In Japan, dementia is the leading cause of disability requiring long-term care, and the number of people living with dementia is expected to increase further as population aging accelerates. Establishing effective systems to support dementia prevention has therefore become an urgent public health priority.

Against this backdrop, the J-MINT study—launched in 2019 under the leadership of the National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology—investigated the effectiveness of a multidomain intervention program tailored to the lifestyle habits of older Japanese adults. Although the program did not improve the primary outcome of maintaining global cognitive function, the benefits observed in several secondary outcomes, together with the identification of subgroups more responsive to intervention, offer important insights for shaping future dementia-prevention strategies.

We remain committed to advancing research that will contribute to the development and refinement of dementia-prevention initiatives and to elucidating the mechanisms that slow cognitive decline. The findings from the J-MINT study are expected to inform the development of standard approaches for supporting older adults at risk of dementia, while also serving as a foundation for implementing evidence-based prevention practices across communities and society as a whole.

In October 2024, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare released the Basic Plan for the Promotion of Dementia Measures, identifying dementia prevention as a central national policy priority. Looking ahead, we will continue to translate scientific evidence into practical applications and work toward building systems that enable all citizens to engage in effective, evidence-based prevention.

The J-MINT study will continue striving to help create a society in which every individual can live in a manner consistent with their own values and preferences. We sincerely appreciate your continued understanding and support.