Report on the First DIX Net Online Exchange Meeting

DIXNET (Dementia International Exchange Network) recently held its first online exchange meeting.
DIXNET is an initiative of the Japan Dementia International Exchange Platform. Its purpose is to bring together people involved with dementia from diverse backgrounds and encourage them to connect not only through their roles, but also as citizens who care about improving the lives of people affected by dementia.
Participants in the meeting included people living with dementia, family members, professionals, community advocates, individuals working in finance and guardianship, and people interested in international exchange. The diversity of experiences and perspectives created a rich and engaging discussion.
The meeting began with self-introductions. Participants shared their personal journeys and connections to dementia. Some became involved through community activities, others through professional work, family experiences, advocacy, or personal diagnosis. These stories highlighted the many different ways people encounter dementia and become motivated to make a difference.
An introduction to DIXNET followed. The network is built around four core ideas:
Viewing dementia-related challenges through the lens of citizenship rather than professional roles alone.
Creating a space that is open to everyone.
Learning from international perspectives and experiences.
Encouraging connections that may lead to meaningful action.
Participants then discussed the future direction of DIXNET. Several valuable suggestions emerged. There was strong interest in holding regular meetings, perhaps once a month, and in introducing a specific theme or topic for each session to help stimulate discussion.
One topic that generated considerable interest was the relationship between sports and dementia, particularly table tennis. Participants shared examples of local initiatives, international interest in the subject, and personal observations about the positive effects of physical activity and social engagement. This discussion demonstrated how a single topic can bring together knowledge and experiences from different communities and professions.
The group also explored lesser-known forms of dementia, including logopenic primary progressive aphasia. Participants noted the importance of creating opportunities for people affected by less common conditions to connect, exchange information, and support one another.
Financial and legal issues related to dementia were also discussed. Participants highlighted concerns about asset management, guardianship, inheritance, and financial decision-making. These conversations reminded everyone that dementia affects many aspects of life beyond health and care.
At the same time, participants acknowledged the difficult realities faced by many people living with dementia and their families. The discussion included reflections on uncertainty, loss, caregiving burdens, and the challenge of living with situations that cannot always be solved. These perspectives added important depth to the conversation.
Several participants emphasized the value of maintaining a broad and flexible approach. Rather than focusing too narrowly on specific topics, they suggested that DIXNET should remain a place where unexpected connections, new ideas, and diverse viewpoints can emerge through open dialogue.
International exchange was identified as a particularly important area for future development. Participants expressed interest in learning from people and organizations in other countries and exploring opportunities for international collaboration.
Although DIXNET is still a small and developing network, this first meeting demonstrated the potential of bringing together people with different experiences and perspectives. New connections were formed, ideas were exchanged, and possibilities for future collaboration began to emerge.
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to everyone who participated, as well as to those who registered but were unable to attend due to health concerns or technical difficulties.
DIXNET looks forward to continuing these conversations through future online meetings, learning opportunities, interviews, and international exchanges.
Together, we hope to build connections that lead to new ideas, new friendships, and meaningful action.