Dear Colleagues and Members,

Greetings. I am Ki-Hyung Park, President of the Korean Dementia Association (KDA).

Over the past two decades, through the devoted efforts of former presidents and all our members, the Korean Dementia Association has grown into a strong academic society that brings together diverse professionals engaged in the diagnosis, treatment, and research of dementia. Our mission, “Creating a world free from the suffering caused by dementia,” has remained the core value guiding all of our activities.

Building upon this foundation, I would like to present a new vision for the KDA: “The Korean Dementia Association Collaborating with the World.” Dementia is no longer an issue confined to a single nation, but a global challenge that requires international cooperation. In response to this changing landscape, the KDA is striving to become a leading academic society that connects and collaborates with the global community in advancing dementia research and treatment.

At the heart of this vision are IC-KDA, our international academic exchange platform, and the JOY-ALZ Registry, organized by the KDA. IC-KDA serves as a global platform where researchers from Korea and abroad can share knowledge and experience while exploring future directions in dementia research together. Meanwhile, the JOY-ALZ Registry has become one of the Association’s most valuable research assets by accumulating evidence based on real-world clinical data.

In particular, the JOY-ALZ Registry is not a short-term project aimed at immediate outcomes, but rather an investment looking toward the next decade and beyond. The accumulated data will provide an important research foundation for future generations of clinicians and researchers, while also serving as a basis for expanding international collaborative research.

On the foundation of these academic and research initiatives, the KDA will continue to provide education and support research efforts so that rapidly evolving dementia treatments and diagnostic technologies can be safely and effectively integrated into clinical practice. We remain committed to improving patient-centered care and enhancing the quality of medical services.

As a society that fulfills its social responsibilities, the KDA actively participates in policy discussions reflecting the voices of healthcare professionals in the field, while also promoting public awareness and prevention of dementia. By increasing understanding of dementia risk factors and emphasizing the importance of prevention, we aim to become a society that the public can trust and rely upon.

Dear respected members,

The Korean Dementia Association already possesses a proud tradition and outstanding capabilities. Now, building upon this strong foundation, we are taking the next step toward becoming a globally connected academic society.

I sincerely hope to walk this path together with all of you. Together, we will share wisdom, embrace challenges, and build the future.

I also firmly believe in the extraordinary power of “one step taken together by ten people,” rather than “ten steps taken by one person alone.” Within the KDA, I will place the highest value on togetherness, ensuring that no one is left behind and that every member can shine in their own place.

The Korean Dementia Association will continue to serve as a source of hope for patients and caregivers, and as a source of pride for all of our members. Thank you.

2026
Ki-Hyung Park, President
The Korean Dementia Association