, Dec. 7 -- Japan is grappling with a fast-growing dementia crisis as thousands of older people wander from their homes each year.

Police data shows that more than 18,000 dementia patients went missing in 2023, and almost 500 were later found dead.

The number of such cases has doubled since 2012, highlighting the strain on a rapidly ageing society.

The challenge is deepened by a shrinking workforce and strict limits on foreign caregivers. The government now considers dementia one of its most urgent policy priorities. The Health Ministry projects that dementia-related healthcare and social support costs will reach 14 trillion yen by 2030, up from nine trillion yen in 2025.

In its latest strategy, Japan is leaning more heavily on techno...