Comprehensive Dementia Screening for 75-Year-Old Residents of Rental Apartments (Born in 1949)
Prevention, Early Detection, and Treatment Linkage through Screening to Prevent Progression to Severe Dementia
Customized Case Management and Treatment Linkage for Identified Dementia Cases Based on Screening Results
Nowon-gu, Seoul (Mayor Oh Seung-rok) announced that it will conduct dementia screenings for residents of LH rental apartments who have turned 75 this year.
According to the "2022 Dementia Status in Korea" released by the Central Dementia Center, the proportion of dementia diagnoses by age group is 73% for those aged 75 and older. This shows that the prevalence of dementia triples starting at age 75 compared to all other age groups.
Accordingly, the district has decided to conduct focused examinations by visiting the homes of 276 residents who have turned 75 (born between January 1 and December 31, 1949) among LH residents, in cooperation with the Nowon Area Housing Happiness Support Center of the Housing Management Corporation.
Among the 4,133 residents in the area who turn 75 this year, 276 elderly people live in LH rental apartments. Most of the subjects live alone without caregivers and have difficulty moving, making voluntary dementia screening challenging.
This survey will be conducted by the Nowon-gu Dementia Safety Center, divided into the first and second halves of the year. In the first half, the target areas are Junggye 1 and 3 complexes, Junggye 9 complex, and Wolgye 1 complex. In the second half, those who missed the first half screening and are judged to have difficulty visiting the center due to reasons such as living alone, mobility issues, or wandering risk will be targeted.
Through the survey, individuals showing mild cognitive impairment and dementia symptoms will receive tailored case management, including neurocognitive testing, home nursing, and case management linkage.
Currently, the district conducts early dementia screening for applicants aged 60 and older residing in the area, and since last year, it has been conducting a full survey for those turning 75. Dementia screenings are available at the Nowon-gu Dementia Safety Center (main office - 4th floor of Madeul Health Branch, branch office - 2nd floor of Nowon-gu Office) by reservation from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Mayor Oh Seung-rok said, "We launched this home visit survey to ensure that those who cannot receive benefits due to mobility difficulties can properly access medical benefits," adding, "Since early detection and proper management of dementia are crucial, we will continue to strive to identify blind spots in elderly health care."
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