SK Chemicals Launches Nationwide Dementia Prevention Awareness Campaign

"Dementia Is a Preventable Disease"
Promoting Awareness of the 'Golden Window' Before Symptoms Appear

On September 1, SK Chemicals announced the launch of its nationwide dementia prevention campaign, "Geonnwaehaseyo" ("Keep Your Brain Healthy").

The "Geonnwaehaseyo" campaign, inspired by the concept of a "healthy brain," was designed to raise public awareness about the rapid increase in dementia cases due to aging, and to highlight the importance of prevention. SK Chemicals plans to produce content emphasizing the importance of early treatment for dementia and distribute it through various media channels, including YouTube, television, and online platforms.

SK Chemicals Dementia Prevention Campaign Advertisement Scene. SK Chemicals

This content features interviews with middle-aged and older adults about brain health, sharing their stories and perceptions of dementia. The videos deliver the message that it is crucial not to miss the golden window for prevention and management during the early stages of symptoms, when intervention is most effective.

Additionally, SK Chemicals will expand the target audience of its "Mobile Dementia Prevention Class," which has been offered to seniors since last year, to include caregivers as well. Starting next month, the company plans to hold lectures in major regions nationwide.

Dementia is a representative brain disease that often accompanies aging. When symptoms become severe, various cognitive functions such as language and judgment can be impaired, potentially leading to a loss of ability to perform daily activities. The onset of dementia increases the economic burden on families due to care and treatment costs, and restricts the social activities of caregivers, making it a significant social issue beyond the individual level.

According to the "2023 Dementia Epidemiology and Status Survey" released by the Ministry of Health and Welfare in March 2024, the prevalence of dementia among people aged 65 and older was 9.25%. The annual management cost per dementia patient, including healthcare, care, and indirect expenses, was found to be 17,339,000 won in community settings and 31,382,000 won in facilities and hospitals.

An SK Chemicals representative explained that once dementia progresses to a severe stage where patients can no longer recognize family members or manage daily life independently, full recovery and cure become virtually impossible. Therefore, it is crucial to detect the disease early and slow symptom progression through specialized treatment.

The global medical journal The Lancet emphasized in its 2024 dementia report that "small interventions started early can reduce the risk of developing dementia by nearly half." The report identified 14 modifiable risk factors that can influence the onset of dementia, including education level, hearing loss, high cholesterol, depression, and social isolation. The key message of the report is that managing these factors early can prevent up to 40% of all dementia cases.

Kim Hyundong, Head of Communications at SK Chemicals, stated, "Dementia often begins gradually with symptoms similar to forgetfulness, but many people dismiss these as minor issues and miss the optimal time for treatment, which is why we launched this campaign. We will continue to develop a variety of content and programs to help people maintain a healthy brain for as long as possible through early prevention and professional treatment."

Meanwhile, since 2022, SK Chemicals has been promoting the distribution of "Sound Mind," an artificial intelligence (AI)-based digital cognitive improvement program developed by the social venture SoundMind, to dementia-related institutions nationwide. Since last year, the company has also been conducting the "Mobile Dementia Prevention Class" by visiting major regional welfare centers and day care centers.

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