The number of people who have received training to assist people with dementia has surpassed 10 million in Japan, a support group for dementia sufferers ha
The number of people who have received training to assist people with dementia has surpassed 10 million in Japan, a support group for dementia sufferers has said.
As it is estimated that some 7 million people, or 1 in 5 elderly Japanese, may suffer from dementia by 2025, the government is eyeing the development of 12 million dementia care helpers by the end of fiscal 2020 as part of a national strategy to build supportive communities.
To become a volunteer supporter, a person needs to complete a 60- to 90-minute training session offered by local governments, schools and companies.
As of the end of March, 10.15 million people had completed the mandatory sessions, including instructors and those who have taken the course multiple times, according to the liaison council of the Dementia Supporter Caravan.
The sessions offer useful tips such as the need to remain calm and maintain gentle eye contact when talking to dementia sufferers, the council said.
