Nowon-gu Supports Korean Medicine Treatment for Elderly at High Risk of Dementia

Screening for Dementia and Depression Among Seniors Aged 60 and Over... Selected Patients Receive Full Coverage for Korean Medicine Treatments Including Chongmyeongchim Acupuncture and Herbal Prescriptions at Designated Korean Medicine Clinics

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Nowon-gu (Mayor Oh Seung-rok) is providing traditional Korean medicine treatment to elderly individuals at high risk of dementia.

This project was established to help prevent dementia and depression in the elderly through a traditional Korean medicine-based health promotion program preferred by seniors.

The support targets 100 elderly residents aged 60 or older in the area who are identified as high-risk through cognitive function assessments and depression screening tests. However, those diagnosed with moderate or severe dementia or depression are excluded.

The application period is from September 14 to October 31, and residents wishing to participate can inquire at the Wolgye Health Center in Nowon-gu.

Selected elderly individuals can receive traditional Korean medicine treatments such as Chungmyeong acupuncture (12 to 16 sessions), herbal medicine prescriptions (granules or decoctions), and individual health consultations at designated Korean medicine clinics near their residence. All costs are fully covered.

Meanwhile, this year, the district will provide customized services throughout the life cycle?from children to the elderly and infertile couples?through its Korean medicine health management project.

First, traditional Korean medicine health care will be provided for vulnerable children. The target group includes about 200 children aged 6 to under 13 who use local children's centers.

These children will visit affiliated Korean medicine clinics under the supervision of facility staff to receive traditional health checkups. Children diagnosed with conditions such as short stature or frailty will receive free first and second rounds of herbal medicine prescriptions and a final health checkup.

Additionally, Korean medicine treatment costs will be supported for infertile couples. Forty couples facing unexplained infertility and difficulty conceiving naturally will receive support for herbal medicine manufacturing costs for three months.

Support can be up to 1,192,320 KRW per person, and recipients of basic livelihood security and near-poverty groups receive full coverage. The district expects this to alleviate the financial burden on infertile couples and help increase the birth rate.

Mayor Oh Seung-rok said, “I hope this project will greatly help prevent dementia and depression among the elderly,” and added, “We will continue to implement high-quality health management projects to improve the quality of life for local residents.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.