The role of neurologists in dementia practice

The prevalence of dementia in the aging population is increasing in Japan; therefore, expert neurologists are urgently required in dementia practice. We, the neurologists, should recognize that our expertise is the core of the medical care for dementia and be prepared to lead people in other areas of medical professions, including general practitioners and psychiatrists, who are involved in dementia management. Expertise of neurologists in different areas, including neurological examination, neuropsychology, movement disorders, and neuroimaging, are essential, and their skills in managing both acute and chronic medical conditions are advantageous. Behavioral neurology, which is a subspecialty of neurology, is committed to the care of individuals with cognitive and behavioral disturbances and plays a central role in the diagnosis and treatment of all forms of dementia. However, there is a huge scarcity of behavioral neurologists in Japan, and more of them are needed urgently. In addition, to assign a clear role for neurologists in the management of dementia, we should strongly encourage the government to involve neurologists in policy-making.