Dept. of Emergent Neurocognition
The rapid increase in the prevalence of dementia constitutes a significant challenge to Japan, which is classified as a super-aging society. The number of Japanese patients with dementia is estimated to increase to approximately 7 million in 2025. Additionally, a nearly equal number of patients are diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI, a condition or stage between the expected cognitive decline associated with normal aging and the more serious decline associated with dementia).
Healthy elderly individuals, those with MCI, and those with dementia have the potential to experience a better quality of life. We plan to work together with you to develop novel approaches to enhance well-being.
This department was founded by Dr. Kiyohiro Houkin (the current President of Hokkaido University), following intensive efforts since 2018. Currently, our work involves several areas of research, including the development of evaluation methods for cognitive function, development of tools for early detection of dementia/MCI, investigation of strategies to maintain and improve cognitive function and for visualization of cognitive function using functional brain imaging.
Links
Department of Emergent Neurocognition
https://www.emergent-neurocog-hokudai.jp/
Main Research Areas
・Research on the effects of brain training applications on cognitive function
・Research on remote testing of cognitive function
・Research on visualization of brain processing using functional magnetic resonance imaging and Equivalent Current Dipole Source Localization
Members
Associate Professor
Mika OTSUKI (in-charge, concurrent post)
