Overview 2020 · Through these research activities, I hope to partici- ... The purpose of geriatrics and gerontology is to help patients maintain healthy and active lives as long

2020

The mission of our center is “We will contribute to establish health and longevity society by promoting mental and physical independence.

National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology

Overview

Greetings from the PresidentThank you for visiting the National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology

website. My name is Hidenori Arai, and I have been the Board President of this

center since April 1, 2019 . The National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology

(NCGG) was established in 2004 as one of six national centers and became an

independent administrative agency in 2010. Since this conversion, the NCGG

has been arranged into several smaller sub-centers including the following:

Center for Comprehensive Care and Research on Memory Disorders , Center

for Development of Advanced Medicine for Dental Diseases, Center for Geron-

tology and Social Science, Center for Information on Geriatric Medicine , Innovation Center for Clinical

Research (ICCR), Center for Training in Geriatric Medicine, Center of Assistive Robotics and Rehabilitation

for Longevity and Good Health, Center for Development of Advanced Medicine for Dementia, and the Medical

Genome Center, and has continued to develop activities in line with their mission. In 2015, the NCGG became

the National Research and Development Agency and began to operate with further emphasis on R & D .

During this time, under the excellent leadership of President Emeritus Shinichi Oshima and former president

Kenji Toba, the center has been developing human resources to take on the medical, nursing, and welfare

needs of a super-aged society while providing medical care, which has become the standard for older adults

and which includes advanced care for geriatric syndromes in Japan, such as dementia and frailty. Further, the

NCGG has endeavored to develop the necessary public education activities while acting as a think tank for

policies in several countries regarding the medical, nursing, and welfare needs of older adults. As a research

center, the NCGG has striven to undertake various foundational studies on aging, clinical research, and

epidemiological studies which aim for the realization of a society of longevity and good health. As the third

board president, I intend to steadfastly continue with the roles the center has fulfilled thus far, and further, to

strive for the center staff to work together, allowing us to become an international center on geriatrics and

gerontology, open to the world. I would like to request guidance from all of you in this pursuit.

utilize the registry.

In response to the national project of “ORANGE Registry”, we have reformed the organization of NCGG. We

have the largest memory clinic in Japan, working on the Comprehensive Care and Research on Memory

Disorders. We also have the Medical Genome Center, in which the data of clinical information, imaging, blood

and genomic information were accumulated. Comprehensive Care and Research on Memory Disorders

collaborates tightly with basic dementia science (Center for Development of Advanced Medicine for Demen-

tia) to find new seeds for dementia treatment.

Our mission is to “promote the physical and mental health of older adults in order to build a society of healthy

longevity.” Behind this mission is the fact that globally, Japan ranks first in longevity, with over 28% of the

current population consisting of those aged 65 or above. In a super-aged society in which the only increase

in numbers is that of older adults aged 75 or above, there needs to be a paradigm shift from the conventional

“cure-seeking medical care” to “cure- and support-seeking medical care.” Within this treatment paradigm, the

most important task is to handle dementia, which has become the main reason for requiring long-term care.

Several organizations within the NCGG, including the centers for Development of Advanced Medicine for

Dementia, Comprehensive Care and Research on Memory Disorders, Assistive Robotics and Rehabilitation

for Longevity and Good Health, and the Medical Genome Center, have been mobilized for the prevention,

diagnosis, treatment, and care of dementia and have experienced some success in their results. Further, to

contribute to community development, we have started collaborating with Aichi Prefecture on the Orange

Town Plan.


Together, we have a vision for rebuilding the old ward, after 50 years, into the Orange Hospital, a core facility

for “building a dementia-friendly community,” to integrate research and medical care, which will be the symbol

of Orange Town. We will strive to practice appropriate care, dementia rehabilitation, and family classes promot-

ed by the NCGG and return the results to the community and the public.

Frailty refers to a state in which, although able to lead an independent life, one is vulnerable to various stress-

es, due to changes in organ functions which accompany aging. This condition is a major obstacle to realizing

a society of healthy longevity. With the Locomo-Frailty Center at the core, we hope to elucidate pathologies

and establish treatment strategies for related conditions, such as sarcopenia and locomotive syndrome.

Further, the active use of robots is imperative, and I plan to emphasize the role of the Center of Assistive

Robotics and Rehabilitation for Longevity and Good Health. Through these research activities, I hope to partici-

pate in the development of new industries and contribute even a small amount to the longevity of our nation.

Beyond these research and development pursuits, the NCGG will continue to improve our meticulous consul-

tation and medical services for older adults more than ever. In these pursuits, I humbly request your continued

advice and encouragement.

Hidenori Arai, MD. PhD.President, the National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology



Hospital

Outline of activitiesThe purpose of geriatrics and gerontology is to help patients maintain healthy

and active lives as long as possible by providing medical treatments that prevent

the deterioration of physical and mental independence in the elderly, using expe-

rience, knowledge, and technology backed up by science. To achieve that, we

first provide the basic medical treatments that improve all patients’ lives regard

less of age to a standard level or higher evaluating and treating organ specific or

systemic conditions. At the same time, we diagnose the cause and determine

the severity of symptoms peculiar to the elderly, and provide appropriate preven-

tative, beneficial, or palliative care based on our evaluations. By doing so, we

are helping to preserve the health and longevity of patients.

Yukihiko WASHIMI M.D. Ph.D.NCGG Hospital Director

Departments (24 total)Geriatrics, Endocrinology & Metabolism, Hematology, Psychiatry, Neurology, Respiratory Medicine, Gastroen-

terology, Cardiology, Surgery, Gastroenterological Surgery, Orthopedics, Neurosurgery, Thoracic Surgery, Der-

matology, Vascular Surgery, Urology, Gynecology, Ophthalmology, Otorhinolaryngology, Rehabilitation Medi-

cine, Radiology, Dentistry & Dental/Oral Surgery, Pathology, Anesthesiology (total 24 departments).

Specific Outpatient ServicesMemory Clinic, Osteoporosis Clinic, Hearing Aid Clinic, Total Denture Clinic, Oral Care Clinic, Mammary Gland

& Proctology Clinic, Anal Disorder Clinic, Sleep Apnea Clinic, Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus Clinic, Mental

Vitality Clinic, Palliative Care Clinic, Arteriosclerosis Clinic, Frailty & Locomotion Syndrome Clinic, Foot Edema

Clinic, Rheumatoid Arthritis Clinic.

Number of BedsMedical Law Approval, General Beds: 383

Number of Inpatient Beds: 321 (8 nursing units)


Hospital

Lobby（Front entrance）General Reception, Section of Regional Medical Liaison, Outpatient Services, Cafeteria

1FOutpatient Services, Central Treatment Room

2FRadiology, Endoscope Room

3FCenter for Sensory Organ Function, Clinical Laboratory

4F

5FOperating Room

6FAdministration Department

7FDining Hall / Cafeteria, Multipurpose Hall

Outpatient Services and General Management Unit Floor Infomation

Center for Frailty & Locomotive SyndromeRehabilitation Medicine

TopicsA newly constructed outpatient building will be completed in February 2018.

The new building will maintain and develop all current medical department functions, and will include two new

cross - departmental centers: the Center for Frailty & Locomo-

tive Syndrome and the Center for Sensory Organs. It is clear

that dementia and frailty are the most important pathological

conditions affecting the super-aged members of our society.

By enhancing our outpatient functions, we can better focus

our efforts on these conditions and make maximum efforts to

raise independence and living functions of the elderly. In addi-

tion to each outpatient clinic and central treatment room. we

also have or are developing areas for operating, rehabilitation

medicine, a clinical laboratory, radiology, endoscopy and other

specialized function provide comprehensive medical treatment.

We start a full-scale construction of the new ward for next 20 years, which is going to be completed in 2021.

Furthermore, please expect it in the developing hospital.


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1 . SummaryO u r i n s t i t u t e w a s o r i g i n a l l y e s t a b l i s h e d i n 1995 a s a N a t i o n a l I n s t i t u t e f o r

L o n g e v i t y S c i e n c e ( N I L S ) i n t h e C h u b u N a t i o n a l H o s p i t a l . I n 2004, o u r i n s t i t u t e

d e v e l o p e d i n t o t h e R e s e a r c h I n s t i t u t e o f N a t i o n a l C e n t e r f o r G e r i a t r i c s a n d

G e r o n t o l o g y ( N C G G , o n e o f t h e s i x n a t i o n a l c e n t e r s f o r a d v a n c e d a n d s p e c i a l -

i z e d m e d i c i n e i n J a p a n ) . I n a s s o c i a t i o n w i t h t h e r e o r g a n i z a t i o n o f N C G G a s a n

I n d e p e n d e n t A d m i n i s t r a t i v e A g e n c y i n 2010, o u r i n s t i t u t e f u r t h e r d e v e l o p e d a n d

e x p a n d e d . N o w N C G G t o g e t h e r w i t h o t h e r n a t i o n a l c e n t e r s h a s s h i f t e d t o t h e

N a t i o n a l R e s e a r c h a n d D e v e l o p m e n t A g e n c y s i n c e 2015. C u r r e n t l y , o u r i n s t i t u t e

w i l l b e e x p e c t e d t o s u b s t a n t i a l l y c o n t r i b u t e t o p r o d u c t i o n o f p r a c t i c a l a p p l i c a t i o n s

i n t h e r e s e a r c h f i e l d o f g e r i a t r i c s a n d g e r o n t o l o g y . G i v e n t h a t w e a r e c o n f r o n t e d w i t h u n p r e c e d e n t e d

s u p e r - a g e i n g s o c i e t y , n o w i s t h e t i m e t o t a k e a c t i o n t o i n n o v a t e o u r i d e a s a n d t e c h n o l o g y t o c o p e w i t h v a r i o u s

m e d i c a l a f f a i r s i n s u c h a s o c i e t y . O u r m i s s i o n , t h a t h a s b e e n r a t h e r u n c h a n g e d f r o m t h e o r i g i n a l e s t a b l i s h m e n t ,

i s t o p r o m o t e p h y s i c a l a n d m e n t a l h e a l t h o f t h e e l d e r l y t h r o u g h v a r i o u s r e s e a r c h a c t i v i t i e s .

S h u m p e i N i i d aD i r e ct o r - G e n e r a l , R e se a r ch I n st i t u t e

E s p e c i a l l y h e r e i n r e s e a r c h i n s t i t u t e , a s o u r c u r r e n t r e s e a r c h f o c u s a r e a , w e h a v e e s t a b l i s h e d o u r ” B i o m e d i -

c a l M o l e c u l a r A g i n g ” s t u d y t h a t o r c h e s t r a t e s t h e f o l l o w i n g t r i a n g l e e l e m e n t s , b a s i c r e s e a r c h o n m o l e c u l a r

l e v e l , v a l i d a t i o n w i t h a n i m a l m o d e l s y s t e m a n d a p p l i c a t i o n t o c l i n i c a l r e s e a r c h f o r t h e e l d e r l y . W e r e a l i z e t h a t

‘ A g i n g ’ i s t h e r e s u l t o f a l t e r a t i o n o r d y s r e g u l a t i o n o f h o m e o s t a t i c f u n c t i o n s t r o n g l y l i n k e d t o a g i n g v a r i a t i o n a n d

a t f i r s t , t r y t o f i n d w h a t i s t h e r i s k f a c t o r s f o r a g i n g n o t o n l y i n t e r n a l l y ( v a r i o u s t r o p h i c c o n t r o l , c a l o r i e i n t a k e ,

i n f l a m m a t o r y c y t o k i n e s a s w e l l a s s e n e s c e n c e a s s o c i a t e d s e c r e t o r y p h e n o t y p e ; S A S P ) b u t a l s o e x t e r n a l l y

( c e l l m e t a b o l i s m a n d s t r e s s c o n t r o l s u c h a s o x i d a t i v e s t r e s s o r D N A d a m a g e r e s p o n s e ; D D R ) . O n t h e o t h e r

h a n d , w e e v a l u a t e t o w h a t e x t e n t w e a g e r e f e r r e d t o b y t h e l e v e l o f r e d u c e d p h y s i o l o g i c a l f u n c t i o n a s w e l l a s

h o m e o s t a t i c p e r s i s t e n c e . T o d o t h i s e n d , w e a r e i n t e r e s t e d i n f i n d i n g n o v e l s e e d s a n d s t r a t e g i e s s u c h a s

i m m u n e - o r m e t a b o l i c - m o d u l a t o r s , r e m o v a l o f o x i d a t i v e s t r e s s o r s p e c i f i c p r o t e i n i n t e r a c t i o n , s e n o l y s i s o r c e l l

c o m p e t i t i o n f o r c l i n i c a l a p p l i c a t i o n a g a i n s t a g e - r e l a t e d d i s e a s e s i n a d d i t i o n t o b i o m a r k e r s f o r f r a i l t y , i n f e c t i o n

a n d p h y s i o l o g i c a l a g i n g . E s p e c i a l l y , w e f o c u s o n b r a i n o r n e u r a l a g i n g a n d i m m u n e - s e n e s c e n c e a s w e l l a s

m u s c u l a r o r b o n e a g i n g a n d f a t o r h e p a t i c a g i n g o n t h e b a s i s o f g e n e r a l m e t a b o l i c a g i n g . O n e o f o u r p r a c t i c a l

g o a l s i s t o r e v e a l h o w c a n c e l l u l a r s e n e s c e n c e c o n t r i b u t e t o a p h y s i o l o g i c a l a g i n g i n v a r i o u s t i s s u e s o r o r g a n s

o r e v e n o u r b o d y i t s e l f . I n o t h e r w o r d s , w h a t m e c h a n i s m o r m o l e c u l e s w o u l d b e i n v o l v e d i n n o t o n l y i n f e c t i o n

c o n t r o l b u t a l s o i n f l a m m a t i o n c o n t r o l b r o a d l y l i n k e d t h e f r a i l t y t o c o n t r o l o f a g e - r e l a t e d d e c l i n e o f p h y s i o l o g i c a l

f u n c t i o n . C o n s e q u e n t l y , w e a i m f o r a l i f e a n d s o c i e t y w i t h h e a l t h y l o n g e v i t y t o a d d r e s s t h e s t u d y o f m o l e c u l a r

m e c h a n i s m o f a g i n g a n d f r a i l t y t o c o n t r o l o f a g e - r e l a t e d d i s e a s e s l i k e d e m e n t i a o r s a r c o p e n i a .

Research Institu te


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Research Institute

2. Research topics 1) Possible role of periodontal disease-associated bacteria Porphylo-

monas gingivalis in allergic inflammation.

Epithelial cells work not only as a physical barrier to pathogens, but also play a pivotal role in initiating innate immune responses to microbes. Interleukin (IL)-33, a member of the IL-1 family, is constitutively expressed in epithelial cells and is influentially associated to the pathophysiology of allergic diseases and inflammation. We demonstrated the involvement of a periodontal pathogen, Porphyromonas gingi-valis, in the enhanced expression of IL-33 in human gingival epithelial cells. Gingipains, cysteine prote-ases produced by P. gingivalis, induced the production of IL-33 via the activation of protease-activated receptor-2. These results indicate that increased expression of IL-33 in gingival epithelial cells induces allergic inflammation and may be involved in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease and systemic allergic disorders.


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Research Institute

【Related link】http://biomedfrontiers.org/ep-2016-8/

【Original Article】Tada H, Matsuyama T, Nishioka T, Hagiwara M, Kiyoura Y, Shimauchi H, Matsushita K.Porphyromonas gingivalis gingipain-dependently enhances IL-33 production in human gingival epithelial cells. PLOS ONE 11(4):e0152794, 2016.

2) Pathophysiological roles of cellular senescence in pulmonary agingSenescent cells accumulate in tissues as animals age, but little is known about its consequence. Our

laboratory established a new genetically modified mouse of which senescent cells can be eliminated by

sensitizing them to a specific drug. Using this system, we discovered senescent cells that accumulate in

lung tissue during aging contribute to pulmonary aging. Removal of senescent cells from lung tissue of

aged animals restored pulmonary functions which progressively decline during aging. Since aging of the

lung tissue increases a risk for pulmonary diseases such as COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary

disease), our findings suggest that senescent cells are potential therapeutic and preventive targets for

pulmonary diseases. Research Institute


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Research Institute

【Related links】https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2016-08/jj-eos080216.php

【Original Article】Hashimoto M., Asai A., Kawagishi H., Mikawa R., Iwashita Y., Kanayama K., Sugimoto K., Sato T., Maruyama M., and Sugimoto M. Elimination of p19ARF-expressing cells enhances pulmonary function in mice. JCI Insight 1(12). e88057. 2016.

3) The mechanism of aging-associated decline in submandibular gland functionXerostomia(the feeling of dry mouth) is a common problem that is particularly prevalent among the aged. Advances in research on the mechanism of xerostomia are desired. Using real-time in vivo imag-ing of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p16 expression in mice lacking Bmi1 which prevents stem cell aging by blocking expression of p16, we uncovered a novel function of the Bmi1/p16 pathway in controlling homeostasis of the submandibular glands(SMGs). This pathway is dysregulated during aging process, leading to the induction of p16 expression and subsequent decline in SMG function. These findings extend the current understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the aging-related decline of SMG function and associated degenerative diseases and will open up new possibilities for its control.

【Related link】http://jcb.rupress.org/content/186/3/393.long

【Original Article】Yamakoshi, K., Katano, S., Iida, M., Kimura, H., Okuma, A., Ikemoto-Uezumi, M., Ohtani, N., Hara, E., Maruyama, M. Dysregulation of the Bmi-1/p16Ink4a pathway provokes an aging-associated decline of submandibular gland function. Aging Cell, 14(4), 616-624, 2015.


Center for Gerontology and Social Science

The Center for Gerontology and Social Science (CGSS) was found-ed in April, 2012 to promote empirical research in the field of gerontolo-gy and social sciences in the National Center for Geriatrics and Geron-tology. The concept of the center is to promote the independence of older people’ s mind and body, contributing to the development of a vig-orous society and longevity.

CGSS consists of 6 divisions and 10 subdivisions and is inviting more than 20 researchers from outside. We are conducting empirical research on sociogerontological issues to develop a society where older people can live safely and independently in the communi-ty. The research key words in CGSS are social participation, independence support, social sup-port, social welfare, home care, and regional comprehensive care. We are also taking the problem solution approach for the laws and measures related to older people along with health economics. Based on these research activities, CGSS is trying to promote the independence of older people, to improve the QOL, and to contribute to the end-of-life with dignity and thereby committing to the development of a vigorous society with longevity.

Hiroyuki Shimada, Dr.

Director of CGSS

【Department of Preventive Gerontology】This department conducts surveys on community-dwelling older people and builds the system for early detection of dementia and geriatric syndromes. Addressing whether non-pharmacological treatments such as exercise, nutritional supplementation, and intellectual activity are effective for preventing dementia and physical frailty, and developing programs for disability prevention and to extend the period during which people can safely drive a car.

【Department of Gerontological Policy】Research on caregiver burden and issues related to driving of older people with dementia.

【Department of Frailty Research】Verifying the usefulness of frailty concept and facilitating its introduction in health care service and geriatric medicine. Examining how we can utilize the assessment of frailty and effectively intervene for frail seniors in daily practice to minimize dependency and disability in older adults.


Center for Gerontology and Social Science

【Department of Homecare Medicine】Research on factors related to con-tinuation of home care for the elder-ly and development of indicators to evaluate home care and effective home care. Investigating the way to promote home care collaboration based on the actual situation of each community. In the local set-ting, investigating the effect of home care support ward and transitional care with enhancement of collaboration between hospitals and local outpatient clinics and interdisciplinary team approach

【Department of Social Science】Studies on the effect of environmental factors such as community level social capital or medical care system on the health of older adults and on social activities or social relationships among the older population using a longitudinal data, evaluation of mental health intervention programs for older adults, studies on the association between individual- and community-level social fac-tors and health in older adults using a large-scale community sample, evaluation of communi-ty-based health promotion programs targeted at older adults, studies to develop support pro-grams for family caregivers, and evaluation of quality of home-based medical care programs

【Department of Gerontological Evaluation】Central office of JAGES (Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study) project which aims to create a scientific foundation for the healthy ageing policy. Conducting surveys on 200,000 older people and develop JAGES HEART (Health Equity Assessment and Response Tool) and implementing and evaluating policy.

【Section of NILS-LSA】NILS-LSA, “National Institute for Longevity Scienc-es – Longitudinal Study of Aging” is a long-term, epidemiological study on aging conducted by the NCGG. Utilizing the NILS-LSA data among interdisci-plinary researchers for the study of aging to elucidate the p ro - c e s s of aging and identify factors that contribute to the onset of geriatric diseases including dementia, oste-oporosis, and frailty.

the p ro - c e s s

Center for Development of Advanced Medicine for Dementia (CAMD)


Center for Development of Advanced Medicine for Dementia (CAMD) was established in 2010 in National Center for Gerontology and Geriat-rics (NCGG) to accelerate basic and applied researches for dementia, especially focusing on Alzheimer´s disease. As of April 2020, through partial restructuring, our center consists of departments and laboratories indicated as follows; Department of Clinical and Experimental Neuroim-aging, Department of Alzheimer´s Disease Research, Department of Aging Neurobiology, Department of Drug Discovery, Department of bio-marker research, Laboratory of Animal Models of Aging, and Laboratory for Liaison.

Our mission is to control and prevent dementia, mainly Alzheimer´s disease. To this end, the research activity of our center is mainly divided into three areas, including the elucidation of molec-ular and cellular mechanisms underlying development of Alzheimer´s disease, the development of procedures for detecting early or even preclinical stages of Alzheimer´s disease, and the drug dis-covery for preemptive therapy of Alzheimer´s disease. We believe that combining these three areas of research in one center provides a credible achievement to overcome this intractable dis-ease.

Kengo Ito,MD,PhD,Director

Center for Development of Advanced Medicine for Dementia

Recent scientific achievements of our center are as follows. First, novel imaging biomarkers to detect preclinical and prodromal stages of Alzheimer´s disease has been developed, employing positron emission tomography (PET), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetoencepha-lography (MEG). Second, basic neuropathological mechanisms underlying Alzheimer´s disease have been elucidated from viewpoints of intraneuronal traffic impairment including endocytic impairment, genetic network disorders which are likely responsible for neuronal death in the dis-ease and synaptic dysfunctions which are related to the pathological accumulation of amyloid and tau. Third, pathological significance of genetic and environmental risk factors for development of Alzheimer´s disease such as apolipoprotein E and diabetes mellitus has been investigated. Fourth, novel animal models for Alzheimer´s disease have been developed using drosophila and mice, which enable us to monitor neurotoxicities of amyloid and tau in the brain. Fifth, novel small com-pounds, which specifically binds an endogenous seed for Alzheimer amyloid (ganglioside-bound amyloid ß-protein; GAß) and inhibits amyloid fibril formation in the brain, have been explored through refined medicinal chemistry. Sixth, a novel blood biomarker has been developed for the early diagnosis of Alzheimer´s disease. Seventh, information on prevention, diagnosis, treatment and long-term care of dementia have been collected, analyzed and disseminated to improve the situation surrounding the dementia.

Center for D evelopm ent of A dv anced M edi cine for D em entia ( CA M D )


U n f o r t u n a t e l y , t r i a l s t o d e v e l o p t h e r a p y t h a t p r e v e n t s o r s l o w s A l z h e i m e r ´ s d i s e a s e h a s n o t s u c -c e e d e d s o f a r . O n e o f p o s s i b l e r e a s o n s f o r t h e f a i l u r e s i s t h a t i n t e r v e n t i o n i n t h e c l i n i c a l t r i a l s u n t i l n o w w e r e t o o l a t e s i n c e t h e e m e r g e n c e o f n e u r o p a t h o l o g i c a l c h a n g e s o f A l z h e i m e r ´ s d i s -e a s e p r e c e d e s t h e o n s e t o f c o g n i t i v e d e c l i n e b y m o r e t h a n 20 y e a r s . T o o v e r c o m e t h i s p r o b l e m , d e t e c t i o n m e t h o d t o i d e n t i f y i n d i v i d u a l s a t r i s k o f d e v e l o p i n g A l z h e i m e r ´ s d i s e a s e i s u r g e n t l y n e e d e d . I n a d d i t i o n , d e v e l o p m e n t o f e f f e c t i v e m e a s u r e s f o r s e c o n d a r y p r e v e n t i o n o f A l z h e i -m e r ´ s d i s e a s e a r e k e e n l y a w a i t e d . W e s t r o n g l y h o p e t o c o n t r i b u t e t o t h i s f i e l d i n n e a r f u t u r e .

T h e b a s i c m i s s i o n o f t h e N a t i o n a l C e n t e r f o r G e r i a t r i c s a n d G e r o n t o l o g y ( N C G G ) i s t o c o n t r i b u t e t o s o c i e t y t h r o u g h t h e r e s u l t s o f a d v a n c e d c l i n i c a l r e s e a r c h o n d i s e a s e s s u c h a s d e m e n t i a a n d o s t e o p o r o s i s t h a t r e q u i r e a r a p i d r e s p o n s e i n a s u p e r - a g i n g s o c i e t y . I n o r d e r t o e s t a b l i s h a s u p p o r t s y s t e m f o r c o n d u c t i n g a g r e a t e r n u m b e r h i g h - q u a l i t y c l i n i c a l t r i a l s a n d c l i n -i c a l s t u d i e s , t h e I n n o v a t i o n C e n t e r f o r C l i n i c a l R e s e a r c h ( I C C R ) w a s f o u n d e d o n A p r i l 1, 2014.

K e n g o I t o , M D , P h D ,

D i r e ct o r o f I C C R

O u tline of I CCRW i t h t h e a i m o f f a ci l i t a t i n g a n d su p p o r t i n g h i g h - q u a l i t y cl i n i ca l t r i a l s a n d cl i n i ca l st u d i e s a t N C G G , I C C R i s co m p o s e d o f t h e C l i n i ca l R e se a r ch P r o m o t i o n D i vi si o n , t h e C l i n i ca l R e se a r ch S u p p o r t D i vi si o n , t h e D a t a C e n t e r , a n d t h e D e ve l o p m e n t a n d A f f i l i a t e P r o m o t i o n D i vi si o n ( F i g u r e 1) .

・　The Clinical Research Promotion Division has t h r e e u n i t s , t h e C l i n i c a l R e s e a r c h P r o -m o t i o n U n i t , t h e C l i n i c a l R e s e a r c h P l a n n i n g U n i t , a n d t h e C R C U n i t . I n a d d i t i o n t o c l i n i c a l r e s e a r c h c o o r d i n a t o r s ( C R C s ) , c l i n i c a l p s y c h o l o g i s t s , t h r e e m e d i c a l d o c t o r s , o n e p h a r m a c i s t , a n d o n e n u r s e a r e a l s o m e m b e r s o f t h e C l i n i c a l R e s e a r c h P r o m o t i o n D i v i s i o n a n d p l a y a r o l e a s t h e d r i v i n g f o r c e b e h i n d t h e c l i n i c a l t r i a l s a n d c l i n i c a l s t u d i e s c o n d u c t e d a t N C G G . T h e c l i n i c a l t r i a l s e c r e t a r i a t t h a t p r o v i d e s a d m i n i s t r a t i o n s u p p o r t f o r t h e I n s t i t u t i o n a l R e v i e w B o a r d b e l o n g s t o t h e C l i n i c a l R e s e a r c h P r o m o t i o n D i v i s i o n . I n a d d i t i o n t o t h e s e v e n C R C s w h o a r e p r o f e s s i o n a l s t h a t s u p p o r t t h e p r o g r e s s o f c l i n i c a l t r i a l s a n d c l i n i c a l s t u d i e s , t h e u n i t h a s t w o c l i n i c a l p s y c h o l o g i s t s w h o e v a l u a t e c o g n i t i v e

Figure 1 The O rganization of I C C R ( as of Apr il 1, 2020)

Innovation Center for Clinical Research: ICCR


Innovation Center for Clinical Research: ICCR


f u n c t i o n s t h a t a r e i n d i s p e n s a b l e f o r d e m e n t i a r e s e a r c h . A m y l o i d i m a g i n g , w h i c h i s t h e l a t e s t d i a g n o s t i c m e t h o d f o r t h e s e l e c t i o n o f p a t i e n t s i n d e m e n t i a t r i a l s , i s u s e d a t N C G G , a n d t h e C l i n i -c a l R e s e a r c h P r o m o t i o n D i v i s i o n i s a c t i v e l y a p p l y i n g t h i s t e c h n o l o g y ( F i g -u r e 2) .

・　The Clinical Research Support Division c o n d u c t s v a r i o u s s u p p o r t a c t i v i t i e s r e l a t e d t o cl i n i ca l t r i a l s a n d cl i n i ca l st u d i e s, i n cl u d i n g i n t e l l e ct u a l p r o p e r t y m a n a g e m e n t , m o n i t o r i n g , a n d

r e g u l a t o r y a s s u r a n c e p e r f o r m e d b y t w o p r o j e c t m a n a g e r s . T h e d i v i s i o n a l s o p r o v i d e s c o n s u l t a - t i o n s e r v i c e s f o r r e s e a r c h e r s . C l i n i c a l r e s e a r c h c o n s u l t a t i o n i n c l u d e s b i o s t a t i s t i c s , r e s e a r c h e t h i c s , p r o t o c o l p l a n n i n g , m o n i t o r i n g , a u d i t i n g , a n d d a t a m a n a g e m e n t . T h e d i v i s i o n a l s o c o n d u c t s e d u c a t i o n a n d t r a i n i n g o n c l i n i c a l r e s e a r c h i n c o l l a b o r a t i o n w i t h t h e C l i n i c a l R e s e a r c h P l a n n i n g U n i t o f t h e C l i n i c a l R e s e a r c h P r o m o t i o n D i v i s i o n . T h e w o r k s h o p o n p l a n n i n g h i g h - q u a l i t y c l i n i c a l s t u d i e s h a v e b e e n h e l d s i n c e 2017 f o r c l i n i c a l r e s e a r c h e r s i n N C G G a n d p r o v i d e d a t t e n d e e s w i t h p r a ct i ca l e xa m p l e s.

・　The Data Center p e r f o r m s q u a l i t y c o n t r o l o f c l i n i c a l r e s e a r c h b y a p p r o p r i a t e l y c o l l e c t i n g , m a n a g i n g , a n d a n a l yzi n g cl i n i ca l r e se a r ch d a t a f r o m a n i n d e p e n d e n t st a n d p o i n t t o e n su r e t h e

r e l i a b i l i t y o f t h e r e s u l t s . T h e m e d i c a l d o c t o r w h o b e l o n g s t o t h e M e d i c a l I n f o r m a t i o n U n i t o f t h e D a t a C e n t e r i s p r o m o t i n g t h e d i g i t i z a t i o n o f d a t a t o i m p r o v e t h e e f f i c i e n c y o f t h e a b o v e w o r k . I n a d d i t i o n , o n e b i o s t a t i s t i c i a n b e l o n g s t o t h e D M - B i o l o g i c a l S t a t i s t i c s U n i t o f t h e D a t a C e n t e r . T o g e t h e r w i t h t h e C l i n i c a l R e s e a r c h S u p p o r t D e p a r t m e n t , t h e D a t a C e n t e r r e s p o n d s f l e x i b l y t o v a r i o u s q u e s t i o n s f r o m r e s e a r c h e r s , s u c h a s s e l e c t i o n o f a p p r o p r i a t e s t a t i s t i c a l m e t h o d s , c a l c u l a - t i o n o f sa m p l e si ze s, se l e ct i o n o f t e st d e si g n s, a n d b i o st a t i st i cs co u n se l i n g .

・　The Development and Affiliate Promotion Division a n d i t s I n d u s t r y - G o v e r n m e n t - A c - a d e m i a P r o m o t i o n U n i t w a s e st a b l i sh e d w i t h t h e a i m s o f d i sco ve r i n g t h e se e d s o f f u t u r e

r e s e a r c h , n o t o n l y i n N C G G b u t a l s o i n t h e a c a d e m i c a n d c o r p o r a t e s e c t o r s , a n d p r o v i d i n g a s e a m l e s s b r i d g e t o c l i n i c a l r e s e a r c h . T o r e a l i z e a h e a l t h y a n d l o n g - l i v i n g s o c i e t y , i t i s e x t r e m e l y i m p o r t a n t t o d e v e l o p i n n o v a t i v e n e w d r u g s , p r o m i s i n g d i a g n o s t i c d e v i c e s , e f f e c t i v e r e h a b i l i t a t i o n e q u i p m e n t , a n d n u r s i n g r o b o t s f o r e l d e r l y m e d i c a l c a r e . T h e r e f o r e , i t i s n e c e s s a r y t o d i s c o v e r p r o m i si n g se e d s a t t h e b a si c r e se a r ch st a g e , n u r t u r e t h e se e d s u n t i l t h e y p r o ce e d t o cl i n i ca l st u d - i e s o r cl i n i ca l t r i a l s, a n d co n f i r m t h e i r u se f u l n e ss.

Figure 2 The Amyloid imaging in clinical trials for Alzheimer’s disease


Medical Genome Center

The medical genome center (MGC) was launched in 2016 as a research infrastructure to

promote genomic medicine for more accurate diagnosis and more appropriate treatment

using personal genomics. The implementation of genomic medicine in geriatric syn-

dromes, including dementia and sarcopenia, requires further research.

Our MGC is organized in three divisions: biobank, the division of genomic medi-

cine, and the information management division. Biobank extensively collects and stores

patient samples. The division of genomic medicine comprehensively analyzes the omics

data, including genomic information obtained from the samples. The information management division ensures

the sample clinical information is handled with a high level of security. The development of genomic medicine is

facilitated through the collaboration of these three divisions. Moreover, our MGC provides the biobank samples

and analyzed outcomes to outside researchers, which positively supports genomic medical research.

Shumpei NiidaDirector


Division of Biobank (NCGG Biobank)Recent data-driven medical research requires a large number of patient samples. Our NCGG biobank collects

and stores blood samples (serum, plasma), cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), urine, tissue, feces, DNA, and associat-

ed data from patients, which are mainly affected with geriatric syndromes, including dementia and joint disease.

As of Sep. 2017, there are approximately 7,000 enrolled from our hospital and approximately 13,000 from a

cohort study of recruited local residents. More than 10,000 samples have been distributed to many medical

researchers and has contributed to development of medical science.

NCGG biobank is a member of the National Center Biobank Network (NCBN), a collaboration of six

national centers. The sample information collected in our biobank is enrolled in a catalogue database of NCBN

central biobank and available for inspection by anyone via http://ncbiobank.org/.

バイオリソース保管設備

液体窒素タンク容量450ℓ

気相５台・液相１台

ディープフリーザー容量500ℓ

横型２０台・縦型４台（-80℃）

16,000検体/台×6台＝96,000検体収容横型：26,730検体/台×20台 534,600検体収容

縦型：計4台 132,192検体収容

Biobank Building



Division of Genomic MedicineTo promote genomic medicine for the Japanese population, the accumulation of a large number of Japanese

personal genomes is important. The division of genomic medicine analyzes data in collaboration with our

biobank. Currently, genomic analysis of dementia has been performed using 10,000 samples. This is expected

to identify risk factors and genes associated with complicated multifactorial disorders such as late onset

Alzheimer disease. We are further engaged in the construction of disease risk prediction models and discovery

of drug repositioning using artificial intelligence (AI) techniques. These data resources accumulated in MGC is

available to outside researchers through approval by our ethic committee.

Data and Information Management Division (DIM)The information management division (IMD) has centralized control over all information that our MCG handles: biobank enrollment information, diagnostic information, and the other omics informa-tion. Moreover, the IMD develops its own integrated data anonymization system which allows for the use of the omics data and clinical information in a safe and effective manner. Currently, the IMD is developing a general database system that enables effective use for medical scientists in NCGG. This system converts the personal information written in the electronic health record into completely anonymized information. Furthermore, this system enables integrated analysis by linking omics data, including genomic information, to the clinical information. This will be a model of AI research in medical field.


Center of Advanced Medicine for Dental and Oral Diseases

Center of Advanced Medicine for Dental and Oral DiseasesRecent studies revealed that the elderly´s oral conditions are closely associated

with their systemic health. For example, there are associations between oral bac-

teria and systemic diseases and between the oral function and ADL/dementia in

elderly people. Plaque as a hotbed for oral bacteria is a direct risk factor of caries

and periodontal disease, and it may provide a reservoir for major causative bacte-

ria of aspiration pneumonia and systemic infections represented by infective endo-

carditis, which can be lethal for the elderly. As periodontal disease also leads to

the development of systemic diseases, such as diabetes, ischemic heart disease,

cancer, cerebrovascular disease, arteriosclerosis, premature delivery, and Buerger

disease, ‘oral health’ is being increasingly focused on in geriatric care.

The Center of Advanced Medicine for Dental and Oral Diseases was founded to promote surveillance and

research for the development and improvement of preventive, diagnostic, and treatment methods used in

dental and oral care. Our center consists of 3 research departments: 1) Department of Dental and Oral Infra-

structure Development, 2) Department of Dental Regenerative Medicine, and 3) Department for Advanced

Dental Research, to each of which specialized researchers are assigned. The center conducts research and

development to support the elderly´s mental and physical independence by promoting their oral health, with the

goal of contributing to the realization of a society with healthy longevity.

Yasunori Sumi, D.D.S., Ph.DDirector

Department of Dental and Oral Infrastructure DevelopmentWe are conducting a study to clarify the causal relationship between periodontal disease and geriatric

diseases and to determine whether we clarify that periodontal disease can become an exacerbating

factor of Alzheimer's disease (Figures 1 and 2). We will also attempt to clarify the molecular mecha-

nism of oral senescence by analyzing age-related changes in the oral mucosa. We have also estab-

lished collaborative programs at the dental departments of six universities in Japan, and we are

aiming at promotion of basic dentistry for elderly and making people aware of the idea of extending a

healthy life span by maintenance of a healthy oral cavity.


Center of Advanced Medicine for Dental and Oral Diseases

Department of Dental Regenerative Medicine

Ⅰ) Pulp Regeneration Therapy: Dental pulp stem cells are trans-

planted into mature pulpectomized teeth for pulp regeneration. The r e -

generative therapy may contribute to the functional survival and

endurance of the tooth, leading to good health and longevity.

Ⅱ) Application of Nanobubbles for Dental Clinics: Nanobub-

bles can enhance delivery of medicament to complex tooth

structure and irrigate to remove smeared layer, biofilm and

bacterial plaque for Caries, Periapical disease and Periodon-

tal disease.

Department for Advanced Dental ResearchOur department conducts the following activities to realize healthy longevity in aged society.

(1) Research for development of advanced medical equipment and drugs

(2) Dissemination activity for oral care

(3) Dental treatment for elderly patients

(4) Post graduate training and human resource development of dentists and dental hygienistPart of our activity will be introduced below.

Development of the gel for oral care to prevent aspiration pneumoniaThe oral care is very important for prevention of aspiration pneumonia. In our department, a

gel for oral care to prevent aspiration pneumonia was developed and related researches are

being conducted. By using the developed viscous gel without water, it is possible to reduce

aspiration risk during oral care and to effectively remove contaminants. We also conduct

researches and dissemination activities on oral care systems including this oral care gel.

r e -

Oral gel for professional oral care

Before oral care After oral care using our new gel


The Center for Comprehensive Care and Research on Memory Disorders

Welcome to our memory center in NCGG!

The number of demented patients in Japan is increasing. The Ministry of Health,

Labor and Welfare is planning to establish 500 medical centers for dementia all over

Japan. In 2010, we established the Center for Comprehensive Care and Research

on Memory Disorders (3CRMD) in the National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontolo-

gy (NCGG), as an ideal model of medical center for dementia. Geriatricians, neurolo-

gists, psychiatrists, radiologists and neurosurgeons are cooperatively working togeth-

er in the 3CRMD. The 3CRMD offers a series of services for the demented, from the

latent stage to the terminal-care by providing precise diagnosis with the most advanced clinical instruments,

implementing “interdisciplinary and comprehensive medical care” through cooperation of healthcare profes-

sionals and families of patients, thereby developing medico-social network.

The 3CRMD also creates prospective and longitudinal database on demented patients, and offers informa-

tion based on the clinical and translational researches in cooperation with researchers all over Japan and

abroad. Here, the fully equipped and functional 3CRMD, a new model of medical center for dementia, is

briefly introduced.

Takashi Sakurai, MD.,PhDDirector

3CRMD’s MissionWe attend to requests and hopes of demented patients and their families so that they can lead peaceful lives at home as long as possible.

To achieve the mission, we:

1. Provide care and services required to maintain the cognitive function

2. Promote rapid improvement of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD)

3. Improve patients’ ability to perform activities of daily living

4. Prevent patients from developing geriatric syndrome including fall, aspiration, and incontinence

5. Ease the care burden on patients’ families or carers

6. Provide information on readily accessible dementia care services

7. Maintain readiness for urgent hospitalization


The Center for Comprehensive Care and Research on Memory Disorders

Clinical activities in 3CRMDStaff: Physicians and Surgeon (19), Nurses (8), Psychologists (9), Psychiatric social worker (1) and

Reception Clerk (1)

Establishing an ideal model of medical care for dementia: ➀Providing medical care to more than

1,000 new patients per year, ➁Treatment of BPSD by cognitive rehabilitation, ➂Treatment of geriatric

syndromes associated with dementia by board-certified geriatricians, ➃Interdisciplinary care in cooperation

with patients and their families by offering classes for families (figure 1), and ➄cognitive rehabilitation aiming

to improve daily life function from prodromal stage (figure 2).

Accumulation of database for clinical researches and trials (Orange registry): including

comprehensive geriatric assessment, neuropsychiatric battery, frailty measurement (Body composition

analyzer, Hand grip meter, gait speed), advanced neuroimaging [3.0T MRI, SPECT, PET-CT (FDG, Amyloid &

Tau imaging), NIRS] and Lumbar puncture.

Education for medical and care staff in Japan and Asian countries

Breakthrough in 3CRMDClinical and translational researches are intensively conducted for dementia prevention and care in 3CRMD,

such as development of blood biomarker for early dementia detection, preventive activities for dementia,

robotics to help carers, and establishment of a new socio-medical network (Orange town).

We are very looking forward to seeing you and collaborating with you in 3CRMD.

Fig. 2 Cognitive rehabilitataion (Dual task exercise and Botanical therapy)

The Education and Innovation Center was founded on April 1, 2014, with the mission of fostering human resources that will contribute to the development of a healthy longevity society. In April 2015, we built an education and training facility with the main seminar hall for 200 people and accommodations for 30 attendees.We aim to share the expertise and experience accumulated through our clini-cal and research activities with medical, nursing, administrative and other professionals and the general public, in order to contribute to better improve medical and long-term care for the elderly in the entire country and to their

spiritual, physical independence. To be more specific, we plan and manage education programmes commissioned by the national and local governments, such as training for the "Dementia Support Doctors (DSDs)" and the "Initial-Phase Intensive Support Team for dementia (IPIST)" members, as well as “Comprehensive educational programme for nurses on Elderly Health Care and Home Care” and "Cognicise" training programme for dementia prevention. We also offer workshops and lectures for the broader range of people all year round, so we hope you will take your time to check our website for the latest information and join us.

Akinori Takeda MD, PhDDirector, Education and Innovation Center

for Geriatrics and GerontologyOrganization

　

Key Programmes

① Education Programme for "Dementia Support Doctors (DSDs)"DSD Education Programme was launched in 2005, and a total number of over 11,000 doctors had been certified as DSD by the end of JFY 2019 (Figure 1). DSDs are expected to play a crucial role in facilitating the development of a regional dementia network, such as serving as lecturers for the "Educational Programme for Family Doctors to Upskill Dementia Practice" and participating as team members of the "Initial-Phase Intensive Support Team for dementia (IPIST)".Also, DSDs are one of the staffing requirements for the additional fee for dementia care in acute care hospitals, and many doctors are actively involved in a wide range of fields.The Government aims to increase the number of DSD to 16,000 by JFY 2025.

5,0676,719

8,2179,950

11,255

1,193 1,652 1,498 1,733 1,305

02,0004,0006,0008,000

10,00012,000

2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

Figure１．The number of Demen�a Support Doctors

total annual


Education and Innovation Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology

Department of Education and Innovation

Department of Operational units

Development section

Administrative section

Training for Nurse section

DSD unit

Home-care unit

End-of-Life care unit


② Education Programme for "Initial-Phase Intensive Support Team for dementia (IPIST)" members

IPIST member Education Programme has already been completed by more than 10,000 people in the past five years, with participants from a variety of prefectures (Figure 2). The IPISTs are playing an active role in providing initial support for the people with dementia and their families in the community, and we are planning to deliver further training sessions in JFY 2020.

③ Comprehensive educational programme for nurses on Elderly Health Care and Home CareWe trained more than 100 nurses every year (Figure 3), and our dementia courses are also designated as

a requirement for one of the additional fee for dementia care at hospitals.

④ Training sessions for Instructors and Practitioners of "Cognicise""Cognicise" is a uniquely designed programme aimed at preventing dementia. We host training sessions for

its instructors and practitioners twice a year each. Due to the high number of applicants, participants will

often be randomly selected by lottery.

Education and Training Facility A spacious seminar hall is available for large groups. It is used ten occasions per month on average.

Photo Gallery

長寿医療研修センター


1,084

3,527

6,411

8,377

10,046

1,0842,443 2,884 1,966 1,669

0

2,000

4,000

6,000

8,000

10,000

12,000

2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

Figure２．The number of Ini�al-Phase Intensive Support Teams

total annual

145

324312

228

166

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

Figure３．Comprehensive educa�onal proramme for nurses




General outlineIn order to support longevity and good health for older adults, it is necessary to

equip robots at the place for medical remedy, care and usual life. It means that

there are demands of robots for treatment of diseases, recovery, return to life, sup-

port for daily life and care. In addition, we have to consider the life place of older

adults both at nursery home and usual house.

Izumi KondoDirector

TopicThinking about the amount of manpower for the management of robot, the largest is the hospital and the small-

est is the usual house. The needs of robot at these places are overlapped each other for example the robot

used at hospital can be applied to the nursery home and also usual house. Under the situation like this, the

way of efficient development will be that for the first instance, the robot developed at hospital where is place of

the most proficient manpower should be tried at nursery home in the next phase and a last it would be applied

to usual house after the enough refinement at hospital and nursery home. It is dangerous to introduce the

newly developed robot to the usual house.

The other problem in the introduction of robot is the “death valley” between the places of development and

application. It means that many robots developed at the companies and the Universities would disappear

during the process i.e. death valley before the application to actual life. The reasons why many robots have

disappeared at death valley are 1) the engineers at the companies and the Universities make robots without

the knowledge of reality at hospital, nursery home, and house, 2) especially in the Universities、many profes-

sors would like to invent elemental technology in order to acquire academic achievements, 3) the health profes-

sions who will make comments and suggestions to development have very narrow views coming from the

personal idea for the user’ s needs, 4) especially clinician cannot discriminate the needs whether it would be

suitable for the treatment or for use in usual life. In order to overcome the problem of “death valley” it is neces-

sary to set a point to make a link between developer and user with the proper information about needs from

user and to decides the application of already existed or being developed seeds to the user.

Under the consideration for these problems, the mission of this robotic center would be to 1) suggest the needs

of older adults to the developers properly, 2) collect the existed or being developed seeds as many as possible,

3) provide the place to validation to applicable seeds, 4) foster the application of seeds in the hospital and

home, 5) prepare the framework of rules to apply the robot, i.e. guideline for safety use and make a proposal

for legal system, 6) make the system for provision and maintenance with the support of developer, and 7) set

the education process for the professional to adjust the use of robot from the expert knowledge.

Center of Assistive Robotics and Rehabilitation for Longevity and Good Health (CARRL)


Center of Assistive Robotics and Rehabilitation for Longevity and Good Health (CARRL)

This center was founded in April 2015 and it had opening ceremony on 17th August 2015. Aichi service robot

support center, founded by Aichi regional government was placed at next door and currently both of two centers

have established close relationship each other. However, these centers are at the initial phase of essential activ-

ities, so we hope to have as many as supports not only from inside of this country but also from abroad.


Extension of the healthy life expectancy, i.e., elongation of the period when

elderly people can live independently to keep mental and physical health, has

become a very important social challenge against the rapid graying of the

Japanese society. In the Center for Frailty and Locomotive Syndrome we have

been engaging in the approach to contribute to the promotion of healthy

longevity, by establishing the Integrated Healthy Aging Clinic, the world’ s first

novel diagnostic system that comprehensively evaluates problems among elderly

patients through a multidepartmental and multidisciplinary cooperation and

assesses their physical frailty status and sarcopenia.

Yasumoto MatsuiDirector

Center for Frailty and Locomotive Syndrome

The aims ・Providing medical service to improve and keep physical, life and cognitive capability

・Prevention for disability and its aggravation

・Proper diagnosis, prevention and treatment of locomotive syndrome, frailty and sarcopenia

・Development and research to clarify pathologies and useful interventions for locomotive syndrome, frailty and sarcopenia

・Development of innovative medical and life instruments to prevent these conditions through collaboration with academia and industries

・Enlightenment and permeation of these conditions

The activities ・Comprehensive clinical evaluation of locomotive syndrome, frailty and sarcopenia through

multidisciplinary cooperation

・Establishment of the database for clinical research and clinical trial

・Comprehensive evaluation for these conditions and case conference by multidisciplinary specialists

・Interventions for malnutrition and physical impairment

・Activities to promote the public awareness and dissemination of these geriatric conditions

・Development of innovative medical devices for these conditions and evaluation of newly provided various equipment by industries

・Collaboration and association with internal researchers and academic societies

・Holding lectures for general public to prevent and improve these conditions




Medical practiceStaffs：ＭＤs【geriatrics, orthopedics, pulmonary medicine, metabolism, rehabilitation medicine, surgery,

pathology】, physical therapist, dietician, pharmacist, nurse, clinical research coordinator, research assis-

tant, medical clerk

clinic：　Mon, Tue, Fri (AM/PM) , Thu (AM)　（need reservation）

Assessments or tests：Questionnaires regarding basic attributes (e.g. age, sex, educational level, family

structure, recognition of need for long-term care), higher cognitive function, sociability, frailty, locomotive

syndrome, number of comorbidities, number of medications, nutrition, and anthropometric measurements,

spinal radiography, dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry whole-body images, thigh computed tomography scan,

body composition, blood biochemical profile (including nutrition, bone metabolism, and endocrinology), and

motor function (walking speed; grip strength; timed up and go; SPPB (walking, balance, chair rise, total

score); one leg standing time; two locomotive syndrome tests; ankle dorsiflexion angle measurement, etc.)

Case conference：one in 2 weeks. Pathological status or problems are examined for all cases to decide

intervention methods (nutritional and exercise interventions, Interventions for polypharmacy, cognitive

impairment, and social issues)

.

We receive external information through sensory organs. Aging results in sensory

impairment, reducing cognitive and vital functions, which in turn reduces the self-re-

liance of the elderly.

The Sensory Organ Medical Center evaluates the functions of sensory organs and

identifies elements that may compromise the independence of the elderly. Clinical

treatment is performed in other centers of NCGG to improve vital functions.

Activities of the center, based on regular clinical diagnosis, are composed of “Comprehensive Sensory Organ Evaluation for the Elderly” and “Advanced Medi-cine”

Tsutomu Inatomi, MD, PhDDirector

Center for Sensory Organ

Comprehensive Sensory Organ Evaluation for the ElderlyGoals:Producing clinical programs for patients with low “Independence Index” scores, based on comprehensive evaluation of the five senses, and treatment of patients with advanced medicine.

① Sense of balance︓Using 3T Magnetic Resonance Imaging to evaluate inner-ear pathology, and causes of Meniere’s disease and related diseases; these symptoms are then treated.

② Vision︓Elucidating the relationship between visual acuity and vital functions of the elderly, using advanced and regenerative medicine to help them become independent.

③ Hearing︓Early detection of age-related hearing loss or earwax thromboembolism, and using cochlear implants and other new technologies, and hearing aids to prevent impairment of cognitive functions, and depression.

Center of Assistive Robotics and Rehabilitation for Longevity

and Good Health

Center for Comprehensive

Care and Research on Memory Disorders

Center for Frailty and

Locomotive Syndrome

Comprehensive Sensory Organ Evaluation for the Elderly

Advanced Medicine

①Sense of balance

②Vision

④Smell ⑤Taste

③Hearing

standard treatment for the elderly (Gerontological Internal Medicine,

Neurology etc.)

・Advanced Medicine in Ophthalmological Fields

・Advance Medicine for Otolaryngology

Biobank

Innovation Center for Clinical Research

Establishment of Comprehensive database for age related diseases

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④ Smell︓Conducting research on the relationship among olfaction, aging, and cognitive function, facilitating early detection of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease, and mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and olfaction training to maintain the vital functions.

⑤ Taste︓Conducting research on the relationship between gustation and olfaction, and the early detection of MCI by Tasting test.

Advanced Medicine① Advanced Medicine in Ophthalmological Fields.　・Innovative Regenerative Medicine, using cultured corneal endothelial

cell transplant for bullous keratopathy patients.

　・Cultured auto-oral mucosal epithelium sheet transplant for refractory

corneo-conjunctival disease.

② Advance Medicine for Otolaryngology　・Cochlear implant

　・Pathogenesis of Meniereʼ s disease

　・Introducing hearing aids to patients with dementia

　・Research on gene polymorphism for treatment of hearing loss

ClinicStaff︓ Physician【Ophthalmology、Otolaryngology】, Nurse、Orthoptis, Speech-language hearing

therapist, Clerk

Clinic timings : Monday through Friday (am/pm)

Tests : Balancing tests【Body sway test, Nystagmus test (infrared Charge-coupled Device camera),Thermal Nystag-

mus test, Vestibular neck muscle reaction】

Visual tests【Converted visual acuity test, Intraocular pressure test, Refraction test,Corneal curvature

radius measurement】

Hearing tests 【Pure tone audiometry, Speech audiometry, Pitch-matching and loudness-balance test, Eval-

uation of hearing aid fitting, Auditory brainstem response, Cochlear function test, Tympa-

nometry, Distortion product otoacoustic emission】

Tasting tests 【Electrogustometry, Quantitative examination of gustatory function by, Filter-paper disc

method for taste assessment】

Smelling tests 【T&T olfactometry, Intravenous olfactometry,】

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Education and Innovation Center for Geniatrics and Gerontology

Energy Center Building

Rehabilitation Building

Center for Comprehensive Care and Reserch on Memory Disorders

Genome Center Building

Middle ward

South wardUnder construction

New Outpatient building

Under construction

East building

Laboratory Animal Building

First Research Building

Second research building


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Asahi Town 2tyoume

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Obu Station Front

Cyuoutyo 7tyoume


Documents

Overview 2020 · Through these research activities, I hope to partici- ... The purpose of geriatrics and gerontology is to help patients maintain healthy and active lives as long