Taipei:Taiwan's Cabinet has approved an upgraded national dementia prevention and care plan aimed at achieving the "Dementia-Friendly Taiwan 888" targets by 2035. The plan expands support for younger patients while also strengthening early diagnosis, long-term care, and public awareness initiatives.
According to Focus Taiwan, the Dementia Prevention and Care Policy and Action Plan 3.0, proposed by the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW), is integrated into the government's Long-Term Care Plan 3.0. This comprehensive plan addresses "all ages, all stages of the disease and comprehensive support."
The government's objectives by 2035 include an 80 percent accurate dementia diagnosis rate, 80 percent service coverage for individuals with dementia, and 80 percent dementia literacy among personnel in designated organizations and service sectors. This new initiative builds on the "Dementia-Friendly Taiwan 777" targets achieved in 2025, which saw over 70 percent of people with dementia receiving diagnoses and services, more than 70 percent of family caregivers obtaining support, and at least 7 percent of the public demonstrating adequate dementia awareness.
For the first time, the plan will also focus on individuals under age 50 with disabilities who have young-onset dementia, aiming to slow the disease's progression. Deputy Health Minister Lue Jen-der noted an increase in dementia cases among younger people and mentioned collaboration with the Ministry of Labor to assist patients in adjusting their employment or work arrangements.
In Taiwan, approximately 10,000 people have young-onset dementia, and around 400,000 older adults live with the condition. The plan aims to expand advance care planning and increase dementia care resources and support for patients and caregivers.
By 2035, the government plans to increase the number of integrated dementia care centers from 133 to 153, expand community dementia service sites from about 580 to 628, and increase caregiver support hubs from 191 to 200. Additionally, it plans to provide 4,000 dedicated dementia care beds and extend long-term care services to 420,000 people. Employment assistance and job redesign programs are also intended to help at least 665 people with young-onset dementia remain in or return to the workforce.
The government will also promote dementia-friendly environments by issuing service guidelines for public venues and expanding dementia-friendly communities and organizations. Cabinet spokesperson Michelle Lee stated that Premier Cho Jung-tai instructed the MOHW to emphasize health promotion, risk prevention, and early screening while ensuring adequate psychological counseling and diagnostic services.
The MOHW announced that the plan will focus on four areas front-end prevention, accurate diagnosis, stronger service capacity, and rights protection. It is also considering whether to include dementia drugs under National Health Insurance.
