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Rising dementia cases strain Japan's aging society
Over 18,000 people with dementia went missing in Japan last year, with nearly 500 found dead, according to police data. The figures have doubled since 2012, highlighting the growing crisis in the world's oldest population.
Economic and social costs escalate
The Japanese government has labeled dementia a top policy priority, with projected health and social care expenses reaching 14 trillion yen ($90 billion) by 2030-up from nine trillion yen in 2025. The rising costs reflect both the increasing prevalence of the condition and the challenges of a shrinking workforce.
Strict limits on foreign labor have further strained the care sector, leaving families and communities to seek alternative solutions.
GPS and AI step in to fill care gaps
In response, Japan is accelerating the adoption of technology to monitor and support dementia patients. Many regions now use GPS-based systems, including wearable tags that alert authorities when a person strays from designated areas.
Convenience stores in some towns act as community safety nets, receiving real-time alerts to help locate missing individuals within hours. Meanwhile, AI tools like Fujitsu's aiGait analyze walking patterns to detect early signs of dementia, such as shuffling or difficulty standing, enabling earlier medical intervention.
"Early detection of age-related diseases is key. If doctors can use motion-capture data, they can intervene sooner and help people stay active longer."
Hidenori Fujiwara, Fujitsu spokesperson
Robots emerge as future caregivers
Researchers at Waseda University are developing AIREC, a 150-kilogram humanoid robot designed to assist with daily tasks like dressing, cooking, and laundry. While still in development, similar robots are already used in care homes to guide residents in exercises, play music, and monitor sleep patterns via mattress sensors.
Assistant Professor Tamon Miyake estimates it will take at least five years before such robots can safely interact with humans, citing the need for advanced full-body sensing and adaptive intelligence.
"Robots should supplement, not replace, human caregivers. Their role is to assist both patients and staff."
Tamon Miyake, Waseda University
Small robots offer companionship and reminders
For emotional support, compact devices like Poketomo-a 12-centimeter robot-provide medication reminders, weather updates, and conversation to combat social isolation. Sharp's development manager, Miho Kagei, emphasized the focus on using technology to address societal challenges.
Human connection remains irreplaceable
Despite technological advances, experts stress that human interaction is vital. At Tokyo's Restaurant of Mistaken Orders, founded by Akiko Kanna, diners are served by staff with dementia. Inspired by her father's condition, Kanna created the café to foster purpose and engagement.
Server Toshio Morita, who uses flowers to track orders, enjoys the work. His wife notes the café provides respite while keeping him active. For Morita, the appeal is simple: "I like meeting people. Everyone's different-that's what makes it fun."
The café underscores the balance between innovation and human connection, showing that while technology can ease burdens, meaningful engagement remains essential for those living with dementia.
