Japan Confronts a Dementia Crisis – Can Innovative Technologies Provide Solutions?

In Japan, the challenge of dementia has reached alarming levels, with over 18,000 elderly individuals diagnosed with the condition seeking to leave their homes and subsequently going missing last year. Tragically, nearly 500 of these individuals were later discovered deceased.

According to law enforcement, the frequency of these incidents has surged twofold since 2012, highlighting a pressing issue for the nation.

Currently, individuals aged 65 and older constitute almost 30% of Japan’s population, making it the second-highest demographic ratio worldwide, only surpassed by Monaco, as reported by the World Bank.

Workforce Challenges and Policy Responses

This crisis is further exacerbated by a declining workforce and stringent regulations limiting the influx of foreign caregivers.

The Japanese government has recognized dementia as a critical policy matter, with estimates from the Health Ministry indicating that expenses related to dementia care will soar to 14 trillion yen (approximately $90 billion) by 2030, a significant increase from nine trillion yen projected for 2025.

In response to these challenges, the government has recently indicated a strategic shift towards leveraging technology to alleviate the burden on the healthcare system.

Innovative Technological Solutions

Across various regions, communities are increasingly implementing GPS technology to monitor individuals prone to wandering.

In certain areas, residents can obtain wearable GPS devices that notify authorities the instant someone ventures beyond a predetermined zone.

In select towns, employees at convenience stores receive immediate alerts, functioning as a community safety mechanism that can help locate missing individuals within hours.

Early Detection and Robotics

Other emerging technologies focus on the early identification of dementia symptoms.

Fujitsu’s aiGait utilizes artificial intelligence to scrutinize walking patterns and posture, detecting early signs such as shuffling steps or difficulties in turning and standing; this system produces skeletal representations for healthcare professionals to examine during routine evaluations.

“Identifying age-related illnesses early is crucial,” states Hidenori Fujiwara, a spokesperson for Fujitsu. “With motion-capture data, medical practitioners can intervene sooner and support individuals in maintaining their activity levels longer.”

“Identifying age-related illnesses early is crucial,” states Hidenori Fujiwara, a spokesperson for Fujitsu. “With motion-capture data, medical practitioners can intervene sooner and support individuals in maintaining their activity levels longer.”

Meanwhile, researchers at Waseda University are working on AIREC, a humanoid robot weighing 150 kg, envisioned as a caregiver of the future.

This robot is capable of assisting individuals with tasks such as putting on socks, cooking scrambled eggs, and folding laundry. The team at Waseda University aspires for AIREC to eventually perform more complex tasks like changing diapers and preventing bedsores.

Similar robots are already operational in nursing homes, where they engage residents with music and guide them through simple stretching exercises.

Additionally, these robots monitor patients overnight by being placed under mattresses to track sleep patterns and overall health, thereby reducing the necessity for human caregivers to conduct nighttime rounds.

Human Connection Remains Vital

Despite advancements in humanoid robotics, Assistant Professor Tamon Miyake emphasizes that achieving the necessary level of precision and responsiveness will require at least five more years before they can safely interact with humans.

“It necessitates comprehensive sensing and adaptive comprehension—adjusting to individual requirements and circumstances,” he explains.

“It necessitates comprehensive sensing and adaptive comprehension—adjusting to individual requirements and circumstances,” he explains.

Furthermore, emotional support is a key aspect of the technological innovation initiative.

Poketomo, a compact 12cm robot, is designed for portability, fitting easily into bags or pockets. It reminds users to take their medication, provides real-time weather updates, and offers companionship for those living alone, which its developers assert helps mitigate feelings of social isolation.

“Our focus is on addressing social challenges and harnessing new technology to provide solutions,” states Miho Kagei, development manager at Sharp.

“Our focus is on addressing social challenges and harnessing new technology to provide solutions,” states Miho Kagei, development manager at Sharp.

While these devices and robots pave new avenues for assistance, the importance of human interaction cannot be overstated.

“Robots should act as complements to, rather than replacements for, human caregivers,” asserts Mr. Miyake from Waseda University. “Although they may take on some responsibilities, their primary function should be to assist both caregivers and patients.”

“Robots should act as complements to, rather than replacements for, human caregivers,” asserts Mr. Miyake from Waseda University. “Although they may take on some responsibilities, their primary function should be to assist both caregivers and patients.”

A Unique Café Experience

In Sengawa, Tokyo, the Restaurant of Mistaken Orders, established by Akiko Kanna, invites patrons to be served by individuals living with dementia.

Motivated by her father’s battle with the condition, Ms. Kanna envisioned a space where individuals could stay engaged and feel a sense of purpose.

Toshio Morita, a server at the café, employs flowers to recall which table placed which order.

Despite his cognitive challenges, Mr. Morita relishes the social interactions the job provides. For his wife, the café offers a much-needed break while keeping him engaged.

Kanna’s café exemplifies the necessity of social initiatives and community support. While technology can provide tools and ease burdens, it is genuine human connection that truly nurtures those living with dementia.

“To be honest, I just wanted to earn a little pocket money. I enjoy meeting all kinds of people,” says Mr. Morita. “Everyone is unique—that’s what makes it enjoyable.”

“To be honest, I just wanted to earn a little pocket money. I enjoy meeting all kinds of people,” says Mr. Morita. “Everyone is unique—that’s what makes it enjoyable.”