​莊宜芳老師實驗室
YF Chuang Lab

Whether it’s our capacity for analytical thinking or the depth of our emotions, we owe it all to the human brain’s intricate structure and remarkable cognitive functions. However, as the global population structure rapidly shifts, the urgent question arises: how can we prevent the decline of these precious abilities before it begins? This is the core mission of Professor Chuang’s research team.

​

The dramatic rise in human life expectancy would not have been possible without advances in medicine and technology. Yet, as societies age, the medical and caregiving burdens of middle-aged and older adults are becoming increasingly significant. Around the world, Alzheimer’s disease—also known as dementia—has drawn growing concern. In response to the accelerated aging of populations, the focus of healthcare and long-term care has gradually shifted from symptom management and institutional care to early diagnosis, early intervention, and even prevention.

 

Our research focuses on the early stage before dementia occurs—mild cognitive impairment (MCI). By integrating expertise and technologies from ophthalmology, rehabilitation, and medical imaging, we aim to identify early signs of age-related cognitive decline. In collaboration with communities in both urban Banqiao and rural Pinglin, we collect data from adults aged 60 and above, including blood samples, cognitive assessments, and brain MRI scans. Through a deeper understanding of how dementia develops, we hope to pave the way for effective strategies in prevention and treatment.

​

#Chuang's team

#TaiwanPrecisionMildImpairmentCognitive​

#Epidemiology