Dementia Care in Asia Our 25 years Experiences in Japan Yoshio MIYAKE M.D. Alzheimer ’ s Association Japan 9th Asia Pacific ADI Regional Conference April 27-29, 2006 Seoul, Korea

Demographic change of elderly people with dementia by year

Before 1980 year

From 1980 to 1989 year (1)  Alzheimer ’ s Association Japan (AAJ) was established in  Dementia was recognized as one of important matters in an aging society.

From 1980 to 1989 year (2)  The Ministry of Health and Welfare set up a headquarters for dementia policy  Certified professional care workers and social workers came into existence in the field of dementia care services in 1987.

From 1980 to 1989 year (3)  Medical and social supports started mainly for family caregivers, not for people with dementia (PWD).

From 1990 to 1999 year (1)  AAJ had a goal that all care services should be provided from the viewpoint of PWD as well as family caregivers.  AAJ recognized problems of younger PWD and their family.

From 1990 to 1999 year (2)  Group homes began to provide residential care of high quality to PWD.

From 2000 to 2003 year (1)  The public Long Term Care Insurance (LTCI) program was introduced and covered most of care for PWD in  The restraints in care facilities were prohibited by law in  The guardianship program for PWD was improved in 2000.

From 2000 to 2003 year (2)  The Japanese Society for Dementia Care was established in  Three National Dementia Care Research and Training Centers were open in 2001.

After 2004 year (1)  AAJ and ADI held the 20th International Conference in Kyoto in  AAJ recognized needs of people with early dementia and started supports for them.

After 2004 year (2)  The LTCI program was revised in  The Law of Prevention of Elder Abuse became effective in 2006.

Activity of AAJ (1)  Meeting of family caregivers  Helpline  Monthly newsletter  Survey

Activity of AAJ (2)  Annual study conference  Awareness campaign including WAD  Demand to government  International activities  Others

Younger people with dementia  Brief history Survey of care conditions of family caregivers The LTCI covers care services for them  Present Activities Each chapter holds a regular meeting for younger PWD and their family caregivers.

People with early dementia  Brief history Survey of people with early dementia and family Volunteer training supported by ADI  Present Activities A few chapters hold meetings for them. AAJ provides helpline for them.

Present challenges  Quality of dementia care in the community as well as in facilities  Human rights of PWD  Social supports for younger PWD and people with early dementia  Hospital acute care for PWD with physical disorders  Treatment and prevention of dementia

Conclusions Dementia care should be improved from the viewpoints of  PWD,  family caregiver,  quantity and quality of care,  medical and social program,  human rights.

Final aim of AAJ To establish a society where PWD are able to live with dignity and at peace

Thank you 감사합니다 9th Asia Pacific ADI Regional Conference April 27-29, 2006 Seoul, Korea