Dementia is one of the most feared conditions that afflict the elderly, as it has the unique capacity to rob us of our sense of self. We now understand that adult-onset dementias are a broad, highly heterogeneous group of progressive, debilitating, and largely terminal conditions. Critically, they are increasing in prevalence as the world’s population age, placing a rapidly mounting burden on healthcare resources of all nations. The world has recently emerged from one of the most severe epidemiological insults to our health due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The societal and medical sequelae will have long-lasting impacts on our health in terms of neurological and neurodegenerative conditions, as well as increasing inequities for access to care and treatments. We are also at the juncture of treatment for Alzheimer’s disease with monoclonal antibodies that act on the underlying pathological pathway, rather than a symptomatic therapy.

These events occur in the context of rapid technological advancements in neuroimaging, basic biomedical research, as well as changes to healthcare via adoption of technology-enabled engagements with patients. Further, population level health data are being used by health stakeholders to identify people’s healthcare needs and to guide policies. Finally, the development of the field of bioinformatics will profoundly impact basic and pre-clinical research as well as the delivery of quality healthcare. Our journals are well positioned to document and steer the discourse on these issues at a time when all aspects of dementia research are progressing at a pace.

I have the honour of stepping into the position of Editor-in-Chief after the dedicated stewardship of Prof. Chan-Palay over the past three decades. Prof. Chan-Palay has left a great legacy in terms of highly respected academic journals. I am very grateful for her clinical and scientific knowledge and her superb and invaluable ongoing mentorship.

I would also like to take this opportunity to extend my appreciation to members of the Editorial Board and Reviewers, for dedicating their valuable time to ensure vigorous standards of unbiased scientific reviews are maintained, as well as providing their highly respected expertise in dementia. I look forward to continuing the sharing of knowledge and insights and to growing the quality and reach of the journals. The journals will continue to be an international platform for the best research into all aspects of cognition and dementia around the world.

Professor John B. Kwok, PhD (Cantab),

BSc Honours (Sydney)

Editor-in-Chief 2023

The author has no conflicts of interest to declare.

No funding was required for the preparation of the manuscript.

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