Dementia Japan27:19-26, 2013

The role expected of family doctors in the team approach to the dementia treatment

Sei Yumikura

Yumikura Clinic

    The number of dementia patients will increase about 3,450,000 in 2015 in Japan.  The number of dementia medical specialist are limited, the cooperation of family doctors is needed.  Family doctors are expected to do the early detection of dementia, appropriate consultation of using the nursing care insurance and family's trouble, treatment of stable dementia patients and their chronic disease as hypertension.  Itabashi-ku medical association began the activities of the early detection and therapy in Itabashi area in Tokyo since 2004.  However, new “five years of dementia measure promotion plan (Orange Plan)” requires more effort for the dementia education and promotion for family doctors.  Family doctor will be necessary for the leading position in the team for the dementia care and treatment in Japan.

Address correspondence to Dr. Sei Yumikura, Yumikura Clinic (1-7-12 Minamitokiwadai, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo 174-0072, Japan)