New national health program against dementia in Japan: The medical center for dementia

Herein, the Medical Center for Dementia, which was introduced in 2008 as a new national health program in Japan, is reviewed from the perspective of the recent history of the national provision against dementia and the findings of a series of studies on the current status of medical care for dementia. The Medical Center for Dementia was developed to provide special medical services for dementia and connect with other community resources in order to contribute to building a comprehensive support network for demented patients. Specifically, the Medical Center for Dementia provides the following: (i) special medical consultation; (ii) differential diagnosis and early intervention; (iii) medical treatment for the acute stage of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia and concurrent medical conditions; (iv) education for general practitioners and other community professionals; (v) network meetings for the establishment of medical-medical and medical-care connection; and (vi) provision of information regarding dementia to the public. Special Medical Consultation Rooms would play an important role in the efficient functioning of the Medical Center for Dementia. In cooperation with municipal governments, the Medical Center for Dementia is also expected to play an important role in policy making and to improve the local status of medical care for people with dementia.