On the situation concerning nursing and long–term care and the field of neurology in Japan : in comparison with other countries

Abstract

With an increase with age in the incidence of neurological diseases, there are growing numbers of patients with neurological diseases including dementia. Systems of healthcare, nursing, and aged care that deal with neurological disorders have been diversified. Most noteworthy is the system called “home medical care coordinator” that began in 2017. In Japan, efforts have been made to create a shift among people towards understanding that “Anyone can have dementia and live with dementia.” Issues regarding how to support the patient at the end of life stage and his/her relatives with their decision–making process remain to be solved in future.