Professor Yang Dong-won of Seoul St. Mary's Hospital Neurology Department Elected Chairman of the Korean Dementia Association

Professor Yang Dong-won, Department of Neurology, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital.

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwanju] Catholic University Seoul St. Mary's Hospital announced on the 29th that Professor Yang Dongwon of the Department of Neurology was elected as the new chairman of the Korean Dementia Association.

Marking its 20th anniversary this year, the Korean Dementia Association was founded based on the Korean Dementia Research Society in 1996, held its inaugural general meeting in May 2002, and since then has held the first Korean Dementia Association Autumn Academic Conference in the same year, continuing to hold two academic conferences annually.

The association has promoted mutual friendship among researchers engaged in research and clinical practice related to dementia and related diseases, facilitated the exchange of the latest information in related fields, promoted domestic and international academic exchanges, and served as an advisory body for the establishment of national policies related to dementia. Last year, in recognition of these achievements, it was approved as a full member of the Korean Medical Association.

Professor Yang said, “On the 20th anniversary of the Dementia Association, we will establish missions and visions for a leap forward, and strengthen international academic capabilities by exchanging with overseas dementia-related academic societies in line with the post-COVID-19 era.” He added, “Along with medical advancement, I will take the lead in preparing dementia policies, protect the rights and interests of dementia patients, caregivers, and association members, and strive to lead social support and the development of the association.”

Professor Yang is an authority in Alzheimer's disease and related dementia fields. He served as the head professor of neurology at the Catholic University College of Medicine and as the clinical director at Yeouido St. Mary's Hospital. Currently, he is the director of the Central Research Ethics Office. He also serves as the 2nd president of the Cognitive Intervention Therapy Association and the director of the Mapo-gu Dementia Support Center, leading efforts to improve public health through hospitals and academic societies.