Combating Japan's Dementia Crisis with Technology

Sun Dec 07 2025 22:53:34 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Japan faces a growing dementia crisis affecting millions. Explore how innovative technologies like GPS tracking, AI-powered detection, and robot caregivers are changing the landscape of care.

As Japan grapples with a rising number of dementia cases, innovative technologies are stepping in to relieve the burden. GPS monitoring systems and AI detection programs like Fujitsu's aiGait aim to enhance safety and early diagnosis. Meanwhile, humanoid robots and social companions are being developed to support caregivers and maintain human connection, as community initiatives strive to keep those with dementia engaged and purposeful.

Last year, more than 18,000 older people living with dementia left their homes and wandered off in Japan. Almost 500 were later found dead. Police say such cases have doubled since 2012, underscoring a growing strain on the world's oldest society.

The crisis is further compounded by a shrinking workforce and tight limits on foreign workers coming in to provide care. Japan's government has identified dementia as one of its most urgent policy challenges, with the Health Ministry estimating that dementia-related health and social care costs will reach 14 trillion yen ($90bn; £67bn) by 2030 - up from nine trillion yen in 2025.

In its most recent strategy, the government has signalled a stronger pivot toward technology to ease the pressure.

Across the country, people are adopting GPS-based systems to keep track of those who wander. Some regions offer wearable GPS tags that can alert authorities the moment a person leaves a designated area. In some towns, convenience-store workers receive real-time notifications – a kind of community safety net that can locate a missing person within hours.

Robot caregivers and AI

Other technologies aim to detect dementia earlier. Fujitsu's aiGait uses AI to analyse posture and walking patterns, picking up early signs of dementia – shuffling while walking, slower turns or difficulty standing – generating skeletal outlines clinicians can review during 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 developing AIREC, a 150kg humanoid robot designed to be a future caregiver, capable of assisting with daily activities.

While devices and robots offer new ways to assist, human connection remains irreplaceable. Robots should supplement, not substitute, human caregivers, Mr Miyake, the Waseda University scientist said. Kanna's initiative, the Restaurant of Mistaken Orders, inspired by her father's experience with dementia, illustrates why social interventions and community support are essential. Technology can provide tools and relief, but meaningful engagement and human connection are what truly sustain people living with dementia.