Japan is going through a dementia disaster – can expertise assist? | EUROtoday

Last 12 months, greater than 18,000 older individuals residing with dementia left their properties and wandered off in Japan. Almost 500 had been later discovered useless.

Police say such instances have doubled since 2012.

Elderly individuals aged 65 and over now make up almost 30% of Japan’s inhabitants – the second-highest proportion on the earth after Monaco, in line with the World Bank.

The disaster is additional compounded by a shrinking workforce and tight limits on international staff coming in to offer care.

Japan’s authorities has recognized dementia as one among its most pressing coverage challenges, with the Health Ministry estimating that dementia-related well being and social care prices will attain 14 trillion yen ($90bn; £67bn) by 2030 – up from 9 trillion yen in 2025.

In its most up-to-date technique, the federal government has signalled a stronger pivot towards expertise to ease the stress.

Across the nation, persons are adopting GPS-based programs to maintain observe of those that wander.

Some areas provide wearable GPS tags that may alert authorities the second an individual leaves a delegated space.

In some cities, convenience-store staff obtain real-time notifications – a type of neighborhood security web that may find a lacking individual inside hours.

Other applied sciences intention to detect dementia earlier.

Fujitsu’s aiGait makes use of AI to analyse posture and strolling patterns, choosing up early indicators of dementia – shuffling whereas strolling, slower turns or issue standing – producing skeletal outlines clinicians can overview throughout routine check-ups.

“Early detection of age-related diseases is key,” says Hidenori Fujiwara, a Fujitsu spokesperson. “If doctors can use motion-capture data, they can intervene earlier and help people remain active for longer.”

Meanwhile, researchers at Waseda University are creating AIREC, a 150kg humanoid robotic designed to be a “future” caregiver.

It can assist an individual placed on socks, scramble eggs and fold laundry. The scientists at Waseda University hope that sooner or later, AIREC will have the ability to change diapers and forestall bedsores in sufferers.

Similar robots are already being utilized in care properties to play music to residents or information them in easy stretching workouts.

They are additionally monitoring sufferers at evening – positioned beneath mattresses to trace sleep and situations – and reducing again on the necessity for people doing the rounds.

Although humanoid robots are being developed for the close to future, Assistant Professor Tamon Miyake says the extent of precision and intelligence required will take eventually 5 years earlier than they’re safely capable of work together with people.

“It requires full-body sensing and adaptive understanding – how to adjust for each person and situation,” he says.

Emotional help can also be a part of the innovation drive.

Poketomo, a 12cm tall robotic, might be carried round in a bag or can match right into a pocket. It reminds customers to take medicine, tells you how one can put together in actual time for the climate exterior and gives dialog for these residing alone, which its creators say helps to ease social isolation.

“We’re focusing on social issues… and to use new technology to help solve those problems,” Miho Kagei, growth supervisor from Sharp advised the BBC.

While units and robots provide new methods to help, human connection stays irreplaceable.

“Robots should supplement, not substitute, human caregivers,” Mr Miyake, the Waseda University scientist mentioned. “While they may take over some tasks, their main role is to assist both caregivers and patients.”

At the Restaurant of Mistaken Orders in Sengawa, Tokyo, based by Akiko Kanna, individuals stream in to be served by sufferers affected by dementia.

Inspired by her father’s expertise with the situation, Ms Kanna wished a spot the place individuals may stay engaged and really feel purposeful.

Toshio Morita, one of many café’s servers, makes use of flowers to recollect which desk ordered what.

Despite his cognitive decline, Mr Morita enjoys the interplay. For his spouse, the café offers respite and helps hold him engaged.

Kanna’s café illustrates why social interventions and neighborhood help stay important. Technology can present instruments and aid, however significant engagement and human connection are what really maintain individuals residing with dementia.

“Honestly? I wanted a little pocket money. I like meeting all sorts of people,” Mr Morita says. “Everyone’s different – that’s what makes it fun.”