ABSTRACT
In Japan as well as in other countries, professionals spend a lot of time discussing solutions for the negative aspects of dementia. Much effort has been devoted to improving the quality of their physical care, including the development of new wheelchairs and all sorts of diapers. As for mental care, the focus of research and practice has been put on the management of problematic situations due to cognitive dysfunction, such as wandering and agitation. This kind of approach aims to minimize problems and primarily serves to benefit caregivers. Yet each person with dementia has a long history of living as an individual and does not wish to be treated merely as a "problem" for caregivers to manage. Rather, caring for people with dementia means assisting them to continue to live as individuals and recognizing their continuity of self despite cognitive impairments.
