Japan is confronting a significant societal challenge related to dementia, affecting approximately seven million individuals. Over the past year, more than 18,000 older individuals living with dementia departed their residences and subsequently wandered, with nearly 500 fatalities reported. These incidents have doubled since 2012, placing increased pressure on Japan's aging population. The situation is further complicated by a shrinking workforce and strict limitations on foreign care personnel.
The Japanese government has designated dementia as an urgent policy priority. The Health Ministry projects dementia-related health and social care expenditures to reach 14 trillion yen ($90 billion; £67 billion) by 2030, an increase from nine trillion yen in 2025. In response, the government's latest strategy includes a stronger emphasis on technological solutions to mitigate these challenges.
Technological Interventions
Monitoring and Tracking Systems:
GPS-based systems are being implemented nationwide to track individuals prone to wandering. Some regions provide wearable GPS tags that alert authorities upon a person's departure from a specified area. In certain towns, convenience-store staff receive real-time notifications, establishing a community safety network designed to locate missing individuals rapidly.
Early Detection and Robotic Assistance:
Further technological developments focus on earlier dementia detection and enhanced caregiving. Fujitsu's aiGait employs artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze posture and walking patterns, identifying early indicators such as shuffling, slowed turns, or difficulty with standing. This system generates skeletal outlines for clinical review during routine examinations. Hidenori Fujiwara, a Fujitsu spokesperson, stated that early detection is crucial for timely medical intervention and maintaining patient activity longer. Concurrently, researchers at Waseda University are developing AIREC, a 150kg humanoid robot designed to function as a future caregiver, capable of assisting with tasks such as putting on socks, preparing food, and folding laundry. The long-term objectives for AIREC include capabilities for diaper changing and prevention of bedsores.
Support and Engagement Devices:
Similar robotic systems are currently in use in care facilities, providing activities such as playing music for residents or guiding simple stretching exercises. These robots also monitor patients overnight by being positioned under mattresses to track sleep and other conditions, thereby reducing the necessity for human night rounds. Assistant Professor Tamon Miyake of Waseda University estimates that the required precision and intelligence for safe, full-body interactive humanoid robots will take at least five years to achieve.
Emotional support is another area of innovation. Poketomo, a 12cm tall robot, is portable and designed to remind users to take medication, provide real-time weather preparation advice, and offer conversation for individuals living alone. Miho Kagei, development manager from Sharp, indicated that the focus is on utilizing new technology to address social issues, including isolation.
The Importance of Human Connection
Despite advancements in technology, human connection remains integral. Mr. Miyake highlighted that robots are intended to supplement, not substitute, human caregivers, primarily serving to assist both care providers and patients.
The "Restaurant of Mistaken Orders" in Sengawa, Tokyo, exemplifies community-based intervention. Founded by Akiko Kanna, the establishment employs individuals living with dementia as servers, offering them opportunities for engagement and purpose. Toshio Morita, a server at the café, uses flowers as a memory aid for orders and values the social interaction. This initiative demonstrates the continued necessity of social interventions and community support alongside technological tools to support individuals living with dementia.