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Eisai & NCGG Introduce Nutritional Guidance to Reduce Cognitive Decline Risk

In a groundbreaking initiative, the National Centre for Geriatrics and Gerontology (NCGG) and Eisai Co., Ltd. jointly introduced the "Guidance on Reducing the Risk of Cognitive Decline and Nutrition" and the "Handbook for Developing Home Delivery Meals/Meal Kits that Contribute to Reducing the Risk of Cognitive Decline." These tools, created under NCGG oversight, will be made available to food-related firms, notably those in the home meal delivery industry.

A balanced diet is universally considered to play an important role in overall health and illness prevention. Recent studies have also highlighted its importance in avoiding dementia and moderate cognitive impairment (MCI). With growing understanding of early detection and management for cognitive decline, a healthy diet is being seen as a critical preventive tool.

NCGG has been at the forefront of publishing research on maintaining cognitive function and improving public nutrition. Eisai, which has over 40 years of research and development in dementia-related disciplines, analysed a vast body of literature—8,269 domestic and foreign studies—before developing the guideline and handbook. These documents include evidence-based dietary advice that may reduce the risk of cognitive impairment.

Under the supervision of NCGG, Eisai's study methodically analysed comprehensive studies on the relationship between eating habits and cognitive health. This rigorous analysis resulted in the development of guidelines emphasising three key aspects: the essential nutrients required for cognitive function, the role of a balanced diet in lowering the risk of cognitive decline, and the importance of preventing malnutrition and frailty, both of which contribute significantly to declining brain health.

To bridge the gap between research and practice, the accompanying handbook converts scientific discoveries into effective solutions for food-related businesses. Companies specialising in home deliveries and meal kits can use this knowledge to provide nutrition-focused services that are consistent with evidence-based guidelines. This method guarantees that nutritional interventions aiming at reducing cognitive risks become more accessible and smoothly integrated into daily meal consumption, resulting in improved cognitive health among ageing populations.

Eisai is sending the guidelines and manual to food sector stakeholders that support dementia awareness programs. The relationship extends beyond home meal kit services, encompassing larger food-related businesses prepared to integrate cognitive health aspects into their offerings.

This project is also consistent with Japan's national "Basic Act on Dementia to Promote an Inclusive Society," which emphasises integrated initiatives involving industry, government, and academia.

As people age, their dietary demands shift from preventing overnutrition, which has been associated with diseases like diabetes, to preventing undernutrition, which can lead to frailty and cognitive loss. Some elderly people overeat due to changes in taste preferences and eating habits, while others suffer from undernutrition due to decreased physical activity and appetite.

Eisai's comprehensive analysis of nutrition research, which includes views from Dr. Takashi Sakurai, Director-General of Research at NCGG, is consistent with WHO recommendations. The guidance and handbook offer practical strategies to mitigate these dangers, ensuring that the ageing population maintains optimal cognitive health.

The manual is a resource for licensed dietitians and menu developers working in home meal services. It matches meal formulations with national dietary guidelines, such as the Dietary Reference Intakes for Japanese (2020 edition) and the Standard Tables of Food Composition in Japan (8th revised edition, 2023).

Several businesses have already recognised the importance of this project and are actively implementing the standards in their food offerings. Each participating company formulates and prepares meals separately, following Eisai's evidence-based guidelines.

Eisai and NCGG intend to expand relationships across sectors to boost cognitive health through food. They hope to increase healthy life expectancy and create a society in which ageing people can live with dignity and security by developing cooperation among academia, industry, and policymakers.


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