New 'Dementia Disease Treatment Guidelines 2026' Supervised by Japan Society of Neurology Released on May 18
Igaku-Shoin Ltd. will publish the 'Dementia Disease Treatment Guidelines 2026' on May 18, 2026. This comprehensive update—the first in about 10 years—covers the latest clinical standards, including new anti-amyloid beta antibody drugs, COVID-19 related care, and emphasizes the integration of medical, nursing, and welfare services.
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Igaku-Shoin Ltd. (Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo; President: Takashi Kanahara) will release the 'Dementia Disease Treatment Guidelines 2026', supervised by the Japanese Society of Neurology, on May 18, 2026.
### The Long-awaited Revision of Japan's Dementia Care Standard
This comprehensive clinical guideline, last updated in 2017, marks a significant decadal revision. The 2026 edition was developed by a specialized committee supervised by the Japanese Society of Neurology, with cooperation from the Japanese Society of Neurological Therapeutics, Japanese Society of Psychiatry and Neurology, Japanese Society for Dementia Research, Japan Geriatrics Society, and the Japanese Psychogeriatric Society.
Adopting an Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM) approach, the guidelines utilize a Q&A (Question and Answer) format to provide clear clinical directives.
### A Unified Guide for All Healthcare and Welfare Professionals
The guidelines cover major causes of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, Lewy body dementia, frontotemporal lobar degeneration, and vascular dementia. It also provides practice standards for Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD), spanning risk reduction, symptom evaluation, diagnostic testing, differential diagnosis, treatment, and long-term care.
### Key Updates in the 2026 Edition:
- **New Therapies:** Inclusion of anti-amyloid β antibodies such as Lecanemab and Donanemab.
- **Societal Context:** Clinical guidance related to COVID-19 and its impact on dementia care.
- **Person-Centered Care:** Emphasis on the values, intentions, and life backgrounds of individuals with dementia and their families.
- **Integrated Care:** Guidance on non-pharmacological interventions, including rehabilitation and environment adjustments, fostering collaboration between medical, nursing, and welfare sectors.
### Table of Contents Highlights:
- General Introduction: Epidemiology, Definition, and Terminology.
- Symptoms, Rating Scales, Diagnosis, and Examinations.
- Treatment and Management.
- Social Resources and Support Systems.
- Specific Diseases: Alzheimer's, Lewy Body, Vascular Dementia, Prion Disease, etc.
### Bibliographic Information:
- **Title:** Dementia Disease Treatment Guidelines 2026
- **Supervision:** Japanese Society of Neurology
- **Publisher:** Igaku-Shoin Ltd.
- **Release Date:** May 2026
- **Pages:** 440 (B5 Size)
- **Price:** 6,600 JPY (including tax)
- **ISBN:** 978-4-260-06553-5
### The Long-awaited Revision of Japan's Dementia Care Standard
This comprehensive clinical guideline, last updated in 2017, marks a significant decadal revision. The 2026 edition was developed by a specialized committee supervised by the Japanese Society of Neurology, with cooperation from the Japanese Society of Neurological Therapeutics, Japanese Society of Psychiatry and Neurology, Japanese Society for Dementia Research, Japan Geriatrics Society, and the Japanese Psychogeriatric Society.
Adopting an Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM) approach, the guidelines utilize a Q&A (Question and Answer) format to provide clear clinical directives.
### A Unified Guide for All Healthcare and Welfare Professionals
The guidelines cover major causes of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, Lewy body dementia, frontotemporal lobar degeneration, and vascular dementia. It also provides practice standards for Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD), spanning risk reduction, symptom evaluation, diagnostic testing, differential diagnosis, treatment, and long-term care.
### Key Updates in the 2026 Edition:
- **New Therapies:** Inclusion of anti-amyloid β antibodies such as Lecanemab and Donanemab.
- **Societal Context:** Clinical guidance related to COVID-19 and its impact on dementia care.
- **Person-Centered Care:** Emphasis on the values, intentions, and life backgrounds of individuals with dementia and their families.
- **Integrated Care:** Guidance on non-pharmacological interventions, including rehabilitation and environment adjustments, fostering collaboration between medical, nursing, and welfare sectors.
### Table of Contents Highlights:
- General Introduction: Epidemiology, Definition, and Terminology.
- Symptoms, Rating Scales, Diagnosis, and Examinations.
- Treatment and Management.
- Social Resources and Support Systems.
- Specific Diseases: Alzheimer's, Lewy Body, Vascular Dementia, Prion Disease, etc.
### Bibliographic Information:
- **Title:** Dementia Disease Treatment Guidelines 2026
- **Supervision:** Japanese Society of Neurology
- **Publisher:** Igaku-Shoin Ltd.
- **Release Date:** May 2026
- **Pages:** 440 (B5 Size)
- **Price:** 6,600 JPY (including tax)
- **ISBN:** 978-4-260-06553-5
FAQ
Who should read these guidelines?
Essential for medical professionals such as doctors and nurses, as well as care managers and social workers to understand the latest standards in dementia care in Japan.
What are the key updates from the 2017 version?
The 2026 edition includes new disease-modifying therapies like Lecanemab, guidance on COVID-19 related care, and a stronger emphasis on integrated community care and person-centered approaches.
Where can I purchase the book?
Available from May 18, 2026, through Igaku-Shoin's official website, major bookstores across Japan, and online retailers.