Isesaki: Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said Thursday that his government will establish a team in September to discuss ways to support people with dementia.

“We will take measures so that people with dementia can live with dignity and hope,” Kishida said in a meeting with users of a day care facility accepting such people in the city of Isesaki, Gunma Prefecture, eastern Japan.

The team will have such members as dementia patients, their family members and experts.

As possible key measures, Kishida referred to programs to promote understanding of dementia and help dementia sufferers convey messages to society.

Kishida visited the facility in his first official inspection tour focusing on dementia.

At the facility, he was briefed on support measures promoted by the Isesaki government in cooperation with the local community and watched users doing exercises with care staff.

As dementia sufferers are increasing in line with the aging of the population, coexistence with such people and prevention of the disease are becoming more and more important.

At a press conference in June, Kishida said his administration will tackle such issues as a national project.

JIJI Press