ABSTRACT
Providing appropriate care and assistance for Japanese American families living with dementia necessitates familiarity with their long history in the US and unique population characteristics. This chapter discusses: Japanese Americans and their evolving demographics; available epidemiologic and sociocultural research; immigration history; generational issues and Japanese identity; lifetime cohort experiences and discrimination; traditional versus contemporary Japanese family cultural values and norms; Japanese American perceptions of dementia and caregiving; ethnic-specific service utilization and other trends; the challenges facing service providers in the future; and recommendations and resources for assisting Japanese Americans with family caregiving. These essential components must be considered and integrated into dementia services and interventions to assist Japanese American families today appropriately.
