Educational program in Japan for Dementia Support Doctors who support medical and care systems as liaisons for demented older adults in the community

摘要

Now that the number of elderly people has increased and the number of dementia patients is rapidly increasing, dementia might be regarded as a common disease. Under these circumstances, the establishment of systems to support the elderly with dementia from the early stages, and to provide primary care doctors and care workers with necessary education is an urgent issue. Up to the end of 2012, a total of 2680 doctors had been certified as Dementia Support Doctors (DSD). The DSD's function and roles are: (i) to support primary care doctors and care specialists involved in the medical care, and general care of dementia patients; (ii) to facilitate multidisciplinary cooperation led by a Community General Support Center; and (iii) to give lectures about dementia to primary care doctors and educate people in the community. DSD are more skilled than primary care doctors in the following functions: differential diagnosis; outpatient services to deal with behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia; community liaison; and home care.