In March 2005 International Psychogeriatrics published its first “For Debate” section on the topic of “should novel antipsychotics ever be used to treat the behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD)?” (Ames et al., 2005). Following the positive reception of this piece, we have commissioned three further debates, of which this one on mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is the first to be finished. Further For Debate articles on the effectiveness of electroconvulsive therapy in treating the depressed elderly, and the utility of neuroimaging methods in the assessment of dementia are in an advanced stage of preparation and will appear in future issues of the journal. Should any reader have suggestions for other worthwhile debate topics I urge them to contact me at [email protected] as the journal's entire editorial panel is keen to make these debates a regular journal feature.