We have established a new research field called “BrainTheraInformatics” for the integration of information about the brain to discover novel clues for developing therapies. The Theranostics Center at Fujita Health University, featuring Positron Emission Tomography (PET), opened in May 2024. “Theranostics” is a portmanteau of “Therapy” and “Diagnostics”, referring to the integration of diagnosis and treatment. While cancer is an important focus, disease-modifying therapies for neurodegenerative disorders are a new area of research. We analyze multimodal information on neurodegenerative diseases, including clinical symptoms, MRI and PET images, and biomarkers from blood and cerebrospinal fluid, to identify “seeds” for the development of new methods of prevention and therapy. With extensive collaboration, our goal is to initiate disease-modifying therapies for neurodegenerative disorders during preclinical or early stages.

Kazuya Kawabata Senior Assistant Professor

My research focuses on Parkinson’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders with the goal of clarifying the brain networks associated with higher cognitive functions and developing advanced MRI diagnostic methods. We also use PET scanning to enable a better understanding of the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases. Our ongoing research aims to contribute to the invention of new diagnostic methods and therapies that will benefit patients and society.