Rising Challenge of Dementia in Japan Spurs Tech Innovations and Community Support
Last year, more than 18,000 older people with dementia went missing in Japan, with almost 500 found dead, as police report that such cases have doubled since 2012. This trend coincides with Japan's ageing population, where those aged 65 and over now account for nearly 30% of the population, the second-highest share in the world after Monaco.
The financial burden is escalating, with dementia-related health and social care costs projected to reach 14 trillion yen by 2030, up from 9 trillion yen in 2025. In response, the government is pursuing a technology-focused strategy to manage dementia care and safety. Measures include GPS tracking for missing individuals and wearable tags that provide real-time alerts to authorities.
Further innovations involve artificial intelligence, such as AI gait analysis developed by Fujitsu and Acer Medical's aiGait, which monitors posture and walking patterns to detect early signs of dementia.
Academic research supports robotics advancements like Waseda University's AIREC, a 150 kg humanoid caregiver robot designed to assist with daily tasks, although experts estimate it will take five or more years before safe, full human interaction is feasible. Meanwhile, robots are already in use within care homes, providing activities such as music, guided exercises, and night monitoring through under-mattress sensors, which reduce the need for routine human rounds.
Alongside larger robotic aids, Sharp's Poketomo — a 12 cm companion robot — helps remind people to take medication, provides weather updates, and engages in conversation to alleviate social isolation.
Experts emphasize that while robots should supplement human caregivers, they should not replace them entirely. Social interventions and community support, including dementia cafes like one in Sengawa, Tokyo, remain vital for social engagement and care.
