IPA Bulletin
Editor's Note 

By David G. Folks

Many of our colleagues and friends from around the world have now made plans to attend the 13th International Congress in cooperation with the Japanese Psychogeriatric Society (JPS) and the Japanese Society for Dementia Research (JSDR). The Osaka Silver Congress is a wonderful occasion to learn about new developments pertinent to older adults around the globe, and to share ideas and compare perspectives on Psychogeriatrics. The IPA Bulletin will serve as a key point of communication about the meeting and its participants.

Of course, I will remind everyone once again that Japan offers many unique cultural opportunities that will make this meeting memorable. I am personally excited to be making the long journey from Detroit, Michigan (my birthplace) to Osaka with a direct flight into Osaka International Airport. The confirmed speakers include a “who’s who” line-up of experts in old age psychiatry and many new rising stars in the field.

The Opening Session and Welcome Reception occur on Sunday, 14 October and the IPA Research Awards will be presented the following day on Monday, 15 October.

Also, Tuesday, 16 October will herald the Jubilee Gala - “From Silver to Gold” at the National Art Museum. What could be more exciting?

While this issue contains much deserved fanfare about the Silver Congress, please do check the Recent Advances section submitted by our colleagues, Dr. Robert Barber and Professor Robert Baldwin from the United Kingdom. I continue to be amazed at the speed at which our field is advancing in terms of basic neurobiology and translational research.

Other professional developments around the globe are equally impressive with respect to clinical service development and improvements in the infrastructure for psychogeriatric practice. I draw your attention to the Mental Health Capacity Act of England and Wales (page 12) which outlines impressive policy change, and the article on Mental Health Reform in China (page 11) discussing efforts to shift mental health services to the community. These items are immense in terms of their potential impact on elders who need evaluation and services in their community, not to mention the impact on the families of affected individuals.

Additionally, we have offered you a report from the Latvian Psychiatrists Association and their efforts to incorporate old age psychiatry as a major agenda item. Brian Draper’s rendition of On the Web has a theme of collaboration that illustrates important web sites from North America, Europe and Australia. I found that each of these internet web sites is of great value, and I have bookmarked them accordingly.

Finally, let me acknowledge our International Psychogeriatrics Deputy Editors, Nicola Lautenschlager (Perth, Australia) and John T. O’Brien (Newcastle, United Kingdom) who work tirelessly with Editor-in-Chief, David Ames to continue to bring us peer-reviewed articles in the field. The Journal continues to surpass everyone’s expectations including the benchmark of citations referenced. A reminder to each of us, that they are now publishing six issues per year instead of the previous four issues per year. Congratulations to David Ames and his editors and staff.

Reprinted from IPA Bulletin Volume 24, Number 3