A 10-year interdisciplinary program for older adults with MCI: community mental health in Japan

Japan is experiencing rapid population aging, and dementia prevention has become a major public health priority. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI), defined as cognitive decline greater than expected for age with largely preserved daily functioning, represents an important stage for early intervention. In this context, community mental health is expected to play a significant role, particularly given the increasing social isolation among older adults. This study is a practice-based investigation of a program conducted in a psychiatric hospital in Japan since 2016, targeting older adults diagnosed with MCI and their families. The program consists of monthly sessions delivered through interdisciplinary collaboration among psychiatrists, psychologists, and nurses. Participants are referred by physicians following outpatient consultations. Sessions are primarily facilitated by psychologists in collaboration with nursing staff and focus on psychoeducation, cognitive engagement, and family support. Session content is subsequently shared with physicians and incorporated into ongoing care planning. The findings suggest three main points. First, continuous engagement initiated within a medical setting may provide structured opportunities for preventive support and promote interaction between older adults and their families. Second, interdisciplinary collaboration may enable coordinated care that integrates medical management with psychosocial and daily living support. Third, the program may facilitate continuity of care beyond the hospital setting, contributing to follow-up support and potential linkage to community mental health services. These findings suggest that a hospital-based, interdisciplinary program may represent a feasible and clinically meaningful model for supporting older adults with MCI and their families. This approach may also offer transferable insights for early intervention strategies and the prevention of social isolation in aging societies.

Key messages

• I have studied mental health literacy on depression and schizophrenia in Japanese populations and examined its implications for community mental health through international comparisons.

• While teaching at a university, I have worked as a psychologist in a psychiatric hospital, supporting older adults with dementia and their families through interdisciplinary collaboration.