2023 Volume 35 Issue 3 Pages 221-226
Japan possesses the world’s most rapidly aging population. Consequently, a rise in the number of dementia patients and a decline in the working-age population are unavoidable. It is imperative for multi-disciplinary teams to provide support to individuals with dementia and their caregivers within the community, ensuring these individuals with dementia lead lives to the fullest extent possible. Dementia disease medical centers are located in each prefecture and in ordinance-designated cities as bases for dementia care. In addition to Alzheimer’s dementia which accounts for 70% of all dementias, there are many cases of dementia due to physical diseases such as Parkinson’s disease. Therefore, it is important to confirm the diagnosis at an early stage through cooperation with neurologists and psychiatrists. In addition, it is necessary to establish a local support system with the cooperation of healthcare providers and community care professionals. In this article, dementia care and support systems, including dementia disease medical centers are described. Also, we introduce our hospital’s initiatives such as online medical consultations and iSupport, a program for people who care for people with dementia.
