Dementia Japan 32:89-98, 2018

Living with people who have dementia

Yukio Takahashi

Espoir Izumo Clinic

There are various difficulties for people with dementia and their families due to the strong stigma associated with dementia.  However, people with dementia have not completely lost their ability to know or understand things.  Rather, because of their condition, their relations with family and friends have become difficult and they tend to become anxious extremely.
To live with people who have dementia it is necessary to communicate with them calmly, sincerely, and, if possible with a cheerful attitude.　Even though medical diagnosis is important, it is equally important to try to understand the demented person's feelings connected with their spirit.

Address correspondence to Dr. Yukio Takahashi, Espoir Izumo Clinic (361-2 Oyama-cho, Izumo-shi, Shimane 693-0051, Japan)