Editor's Note
VOLUME 39, NO. 4 • DEC 2022
Tzung-Jeng Hwang, IPA Bulletin Editor-in-Chief
After the COVID-19 pandemic gradually improved, we anticipate a long-expected in-person IPA Congress held from June 29 to July 2, 2023, in Lisbon. This issue is delayed for publication because president Dr. Ikeda hopes to send our members more news
regarding the Lisbon Congress. In the president’s message on the issue, Dr. Manabu Ikeda announced the updated progress of the congress preparatory work, including a rich program of pre-congress workshops, plenary sessions, symposiums, and oral and poster presentations. We look forward to meeting you in Lisbon.
Besides, various web-based programs have been continued as usual for our members through our IPA website, including webinars and a virtual journal club. You are welcome to participate in those activities.
In the “International Psychogeriatrics Review Column”, Dr. Donghang Zhang et al. (China) review the paper “The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) with a double threshold: improving the MoCA for triaging patients in need of a neuropsychological assessment” by Géraud M. F. C. Dautzenberg et al. (2022). The research indicated that the optimal strategy for dementia screening is a two-stage selection progress: the first step is conducting the initial assessment by psychiatrists, and the second is using the MoCA as an add-on for those clients referred for neuropsychological assessment. The MoCA with a double threshold (a score < 21, 21-25, >25) can screen mild dementia and mild cognitive impairment. This method is time-saving, reduces false positive cases, and monitors those at risk.
There are 4 articles in “Research and Practice”, and 2 in “Around the World”. In “Research and Practice”, Ms. Stephanie Perin and Grace Billing (Australia) review the importance of technology-assisted treatments and service delivery via telehealth, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. They also propose that future research should consider the development of remotely-administered psychological and social intervention programs, and empiric evaluation of the efficacy, feasibility, and acceptability of such programs to support increased implementation. Dr. Laura Valzolgher (Italy) discusses the possible role of the Mediterranean diet in preventing neurodegenerative disorders, including empirical evidence and potential mechanisms. Dr. Rita Khoury (Lebanon) updates us on eating disorders (anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder) in older people, including prevalence, comorbidities, and treatment. Mr. Moermans and his colleagues (the Netherlands) report their research on district nurses’ attitudes towards involuntary treatment for dementia care at home. They found that district nurses perceived the application of involuntary treatment as moderately restrictive for people living with dementia and felt moderately uncomfortable using it. All caregivers must have a greater awareness of the negative consequences and greater knowledge of person-centered alternatives.
In “Around the World”, Dr. Debanjan Banerjee (India) discusses the issue of elder care and reviews the state of aged care in some parts of the world,
including Europe, America, and Asia. He reminds us that one of the best ways to advance is by strengthening intergenerational bonds (between ageing parents, adult children, and grandchildren) through quality time. Finally, Dr. Nahathai Wongpakaran et al. (Thailand) share their new geriatric psychiatry fellowship program in Thailand. They illustrate the history and content of the program, and discuss its current strengths and challenges.
Our world has probably entered a new state, i.e., people may have to coexist with viruses. Hopefully, the coexistence will be balanced and peaceful. Now, most countries have reopened their doors to the world, and new opportunities and challenges may come. The editorial team wishes our members all the best and start a new active life. Please submit articles to express your thoughts and share experiences with us at ipa.b.editor@gmail.com.
