Last year, over 18,000 dementia patients in Japan wandered away from their homes, leading to a tragic loss of life for nearly 500 individuals. This alarming trend has doubled since 2012, highlighting the strain on Japan as the world's oldest society.

With limited workforce availability and challenges in foreign care assistance, Japan's government recognizes dementia as a critical policy issue, forecasting that care costs could spiral to 14 trillion yen (approximately $90 billion) by 2030, an increase from nine trillion in 2025.

In response, authorities are turning to technology for solutions. GPS tracking systems are being implemented nationwide to help monitor patients who may wander, with some regions deploying wearable tags that alert authorities if someone leaves a designated area.

Robot Caregivers and AI

In pursuit of earlier dementia detection, innovations such as Fujitsu's aiGait analyze walking patterns to identify signs of cognitive decline, allowing for timely interventions. Meanwhile, AIREC, a humanoid robot developed by Waseda University, is designed to assist with basic caregiving tasks.

Despite such advancements, experts stress that technology should enhance, not replace, human care, emphasizing the importance of human connection. Initiatives like the Restaurant of Mistaken Orders in Tokyo provide engagement for dementia patients through meaningful social interaction.

While technology can alleviate certain challenges, it is the human element—community support and personal interactions—that ultimately enriches the lives of those affected by dementia, ensuring dignity and purpose as they navigate their daily lives.