The KDA (Korean Dementia Association) Special Symposium is an annual event launched in 2023 as part of the JOY-ALZ (Korean Joint Registry for Alzheimer's Treatment and Diagnostics) initiative by the Korean Dementia Association. The aim of the symposium is to share the latest advancements in diagnostics and treatments for Alzheimer's disease and to educate healthcare professionals on practical clinical applications. The symposium provides practical support to clinicians, nurses, neuropsychologists, and care teams, while also serving as a valuable networking platform for researchers in the field of Alzheimer's disease.

The 2023 symposium was themed "The Success of Antibody Therapies for Alzheimer's Disease and the New Treatment Landscape in Korea." Discussions focused on the clinical efficacy and safety of new drugs approved by the U.S. FDA a since 2021, as well as their implementation in clinical settings. The symposium included lectures and expert panel discussions on the necessary preparations for the introduction of new therapies in Korea. Additionally, at the symposium, Dr. Heather M. Snyder introduced the ALZ-NET (Alzheimer's Network for Treatment and Diagnostics), a real-world registry spearheaded by the Alzheimer's Association, through an online lecture. Topics, also covered included PET imaging guidelines, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood tests, and anticipated changes in the healthcare system.

In May 2024, Korea saw the approval of its first disease-modifying drug for Alzheimer's disease, Lecanemab(Leqembi®). To address this milestone, the KDA held the 2024 Special Symposium under the theme "KDA Recommendations for the Proper Use of Lecanemab and Sharing Japan's Experience." The event offered comprehensive insights into drug usage guidelines, patient management strategies, and approaches for addressing side effects. It provided practical clinical recommendations for the safe and effective use of this groundbreaking treatment. Furthermore, Dr. Atsushi Iwata, an expert from Japan with extensive experience in prescribing Leqembi®, was invited to share Japan's practices and policies, offering invaluable lessons and earning enthusiastic responses from Korean healthcare professionals.

The KDA Special Symposium continues to contribute to advancements in Alzheimer's and dementia care, opening new possibilities for treatment and collaboration among global experts.