[Role of Neurologists in Dementia Practice]

The September 2013 issue of this journal contains an article titled "The Role of Neurologists in Dementia Practice" in which I have highlighted the contributions of neurologists to dementia care. I have emphasized the importance of proactive leadership within interdisciplinary teams that include general practitioners and psychiatrists. Following the implementation of the Basic Act on Dementia to Promote an Inclusive Society and advances in medical science, such as introduction of the anti-Alzheimer drug lecanemab, neurologists are expected to play a more active role in dementia management and require more specialized skills. The emergence of lecanemab has led to more direct involvement of neurologists in dementia practice, which has resulted in the emergence of "novice" dementia specialists. However, a shortage of neurologists who specialize in behavioral neurology remains a significant concern in Japan. This challenge is compounded by the inadequate education of general neurologists in this domain, because dementia management requires deep knowledge and skills in behavioral neurology. The most important and urgent issue is to promptly address this shortage. Although neurologists' involvement in dementia practice is attributable to the introduction of lecanemab, I sincerely look forward to neurologists transitioning from "novice" to "real" experts in dementia. I reiterate this call as a recommendation to fellow neurologists, emphasizing the need to evolve into true specialists in the field.