The number of older persons with dementia in Japan is forecasted to reach 4.45 million in 2035, that is, 2.2 times increase over the figure for 2005, 2.05 million, according to Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.

Japan has been active in preparing the society for this anticipated demographic change. In order to eliminate a stigma attached to the condition, the official terminology has been changed from "chihosho” (meaning "dementia” in Japanese) to "ninchisho” (meaning "disease of cognitive functions” in Japanese) in 2004. The MHLW and others initiated Campaign to Understand Dementia and Build Community Networks” in 2005. (http://longevity.ilcjapan.org/f_issues/0603.html) . Under this campaign, more than 500,000 "community supporters” of older people with dementia have been trained nation-wide. Older people with dementia themselves have started to voice their opinions publicly, for instance, at a conference "for, of, and by people with dementia” (Honnin Kaigi).