Health News and Updates: Dementia Patients in Japan gets QR tracking codes

Dementia patients in Japan will now be easier to track down even if they get lost thanks to a barcode tagging system launched by a company based in Iruma, Tokyo recently. The free service, which is considered the first of its kind in Japan, is very handy as all information including the phone number, address, and identity number unique for each user is contained in a one-centimeter square sticker.

BBC said police can easily obtain the details about the patient just by scanning the QR tags making it easy for them to reunite elderly patients with their family in case they get lost. The dementia QR tags for toenails are a lot better than stickers pinned on clothing items since these are not only discreet and water-resistant but are attached to the dementia patients for at least two weeks. Japan's population is aging with 25% of its citizens 65 years old or older, and expected to increase by 2055 to 40%.

Dementia is a medical condition that affects characterized by memory loss and other symptoms that reduced the ability of a person to perform regular activities. Independent said Alzheimer is one form of dementia and comprises up to 80% of dementia cases. While there is a belief that dementia is part and parcel of aging, there are other conditions with similar symptoms such as vitamin deficiency and problem with the thyroids.

CNN said once the service becomes available throughout the country, it would be easy for citizens to get the identification and other details of lost persons with dementia and return them to their families. Iruma Welfare Department Spokesperson Chie Sano said there are almost 3,000 dementia patients in Japan which makes the QR tracking device a lifesaver. Iruma City officials said they expect more families to enroll under the program in the days to come.

While the dementia QR codes contain vital information about the patient, the company assured users that their privacy remains protected since personal information would not be easily divulged as it requires the approval of the City Council.