Health and Global Policy Institute (HGPI) Associate Ms. Nana Moriguchi delivered a presentation titled “An International Survey on Educational and Awareness-Raising Initiatives Supporting the Development and Practice of Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) in Dementia Research” at Symposium 33: Dementia PPI, as part of the 44th Annual Meeting of the Japan Society for Dementia Research.

In this presentation, an overview was provided of the policy background for promoting Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) in the field of dementia in Japan. It also explained the significance of the inclusion of reflecting the views of people living with dementia and their families in research in the Basic Act on Dementia to Promote an Inclusive Society, which was approved by the Cabinet in 2024. The presentation further emphasized that realizing PPI in dementia research requires practical considerations, including involvement from the conceptual stage of research, mechanisms for feedback, and clarifying the significance of participation.

In addition, HGPI’s activities were also introduced, such as creating platforms for dialogue among diverse stakeholders—including people living with dementia, their families, researchers, and industry—as well as publishing policy columns and convening roundtable discussions. A roadmap was also presented for promoting PPI in dementia research.

Drawing on the results of an international survey of leading PPI initiatives, the presentation demonstrated that a variety of approaches are utilized in education and awareness-raising for PPI, including online platforms, training courses, guidebooks, and symposiums. It also showed that these initiatives target a wide range of audiences—such as people living with dementia, their families, researchers, and the general public—and aim to enhance knowledge, develop skills, and promote co-creation.

Finally, it was emphasized that, to achieve effective and ethical PPI, several practical requirements are indispensable, including early and continuous involvement throughout the research process, clear and accessible communication, the provision of a “safe space,” consideration of diversity and inclusion, and appropriate recognition of contributions.

HGPI will continue to contribute to discussions and practices aimed at promoting the involvement of people living with dementia and their families in research, and will advance the development of co-created research infrastructure and policy recommendations through collaboration with diverse stakeholders.