Evaluating Dementia Prevention from a Dementia-Inclusive Perspective: A Qualitative Analysis of Dementia-Related Articles in Japanese National Newspapers
Evaluating Dementia Prevention from a Dementia-Inclusive Perspective: A Qualitative Analysis of Dementia-Related Articles in Japanese National Newspapers
Tuesday, 8 July 2025
Location: SJES004 (Faculty of Legal, Economic, and Social Sciences (JES))
Distributed Paper
The aim of this study is to categorize the activities recognized as dementia prevention in Japanese society since the 1980s and to critically examine their relationship with the ideals of 'living with dementia' and 'healthy aging.'
Prevention, conceptually, refers to actions taken to avert anticipated risks. In clinical medicine, prevention is typically divided into primary, secondary, and tertiary forms. Approaches to dementia prevention have evolved over time. In the 20th century, the focus was primarily on understanding dementia from a neuropathological perspective, particularly in relation to Alzheimer's disease. However, more recent attention has shifted towards lifestyle-related diseases and social health inequalities. The specific methods of prevention vary according to the dominant medical paradigm of the time. Furthermore, as dementia refers to a group of symptoms, its prevention now encompasses a wide range of activities.
It is undeniable that dementia is difficult to distinguish from age-related cognitive decline. The rise of dementia prevention in the 20th century reflects the broader medicalisation of ageing. In addition, since the end of the 20th century, activities such as the sharing of lived experience by people with dementia have deepened understanding of the condition and fundamentally challenged the concept of prevention itself. A leading dementia patients' group in Japan has introduced the concept of 'dementia preparedness' and adopted the philosophy of living with dementia. In line with these activities, Japan enacted a Basic Law on Dementia in 2024, which includes the principle of 'inclusion'.
Against this background, this study analyses descriptions of dementia prevention from national newspaper articles in Japan using qualitative content analysis. Through this analysis, we aim to identify which forms of dementia prevention are criticised and why. Finally, we will explore whether a logic of prevention can be developed that is consistent with the ideals of 'living with dementia' and 'healthy ageing'.
Prevention, conceptually, refers to actions taken to avert anticipated risks. In clinical medicine, prevention is typically divided into primary, secondary, and tertiary forms. Approaches to dementia prevention have evolved over time. In the 20th century, the focus was primarily on understanding dementia from a neuropathological perspective, particularly in relation to Alzheimer's disease. However, more recent attention has shifted towards lifestyle-related diseases and social health inequalities. The specific methods of prevention vary according to the dominant medical paradigm of the time. Furthermore, as dementia refers to a group of symptoms, its prevention now encompasses a wide range of activities.
It is undeniable that dementia is difficult to distinguish from age-related cognitive decline. The rise of dementia prevention in the 20th century reflects the broader medicalisation of ageing. In addition, since the end of the 20th century, activities such as the sharing of lived experience by people with dementia have deepened understanding of the condition and fundamentally challenged the concept of prevention itself. A leading dementia patients' group in Japan has introduced the concept of 'dementia preparedness' and adopted the philosophy of living with dementia. In line with these activities, Japan enacted a Basic Law on Dementia in 2024, which includes the principle of 'inclusion'.
Against this background, this study analyses descriptions of dementia prevention from national newspaper articles in Japan using qualitative content analysis. Through this analysis, we aim to identify which forms of dementia prevention are criticised and why. Finally, we will explore whether a logic of prevention can be developed that is consistent with the ideals of 'living with dementia' and 'healthy ageing'.