"Aging? Maybe Dementia?"... Seocho-gu Introduces Nation's First 'Dementia Screening' Gaining Popularity

'Advanced Brain Oxygen Saturation Equipment' Based Preventive Management Excellence
"Started for the First Time Last Year with 99% Satisfaction"

A resident of Seocho-gu is undergoing a cognitive test. (Photo by Seocho-gu Office)

Seocho-gu, Seoul (Mayor Jeon Seong-su) announced on the 2nd that the ‘Brain Oxygen Saturation High-Tech Equipment-Based Cognitive Screening Test,’ a dementia prevention examination for Seocho-gu residents aged 60 and over, which has been promoted since last year, is receiving great response from the residents.

The ‘Brain Oxygen Saturation Test’ is an examination that checks brain activity by wearing a headband-shaped high-tech device on the forehead. Seocho-gu is the first and only local government in the country to conduct this test to improve the accuracy of dementia screening and to support customized dementia prevention and management based on the test results.

Based on high-tech equipment, it is characterized by the ability to comprehensively evaluate brain health status, including measuring changes in oxygen saturation in brain blood, changes in cerebral blood flow due to posture changes, and autonomic nervous system regulation functions of the cerebrum.

The test consists of two parts: a ‘cognitive function test’ that reflects brain activity levels and task performance results, and a ‘brain blood flow function test’ that evaluates cerebral blood flow function and autonomic nervous system function levels according to posture changes. Along with this, a cognitive screening test that checks memory, attention, language function, etc., is conducted in a Q&A format. The total test time is 40 minutes.

After the test, based on automated algorithm analysis, the examinee is provided with learning materials and cognitive health programs such as exercise methods and dietary therapy to promote brain health. In addition, for those suspected of cognitive decline, more specialized management will be supported by linking neuropsychological tests and consultations with psychiatrists.

Seocho-gu revealed that in a satisfaction survey conducted on 1,087 participants who took the test last year, 99% of participants were satisfied. Many responded that they felt reassured by being tested with professional equipment for memory decline symptoms that caused worries about aging or dementia, and were even more satisfied because in-depth counseling and professional management were also provided based on the results.

The test is conducted free of charge, and for related advance reservations and detailed information, inquiries can be made to the Seocho-gu Dementia Safety Center.

In addition, to create a dementia prevention environment, the district opened the ‘Seocho Dementia Safety House,’ which applies residential environment design for dementia patients for the first time among local governments nationwide, and introduced the ‘Dementia Safety Primary Physician’ system that manages dementia prevention in cooperation with medical institutions.

Mayor Jeon Seong-su said, “We will alleviate residents’ concerns with a reliable and differentiated dementia prevention test,” and added, “We will make further efforts to create ‘Seocho, a Dementia Safety City’ where residents can live a healthy and secure old age.”

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