Seoul Launches Month-Long Intensive Early Dementia Screening for Citizens Aged 60 and Over

Focusing on the Management of Mild Cognitive Impairment, the Pre-Dementia Stage

Early Screening for One Month in Collaboration with All 25 Districts

Free for Anyone Aged 60 or Older, with Comprehensive Follow-Up Care

The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced on March 31 that it will operate a “Mobile Early Dementia Screening” program throughout April for citizens aged 60 and over. Anyone can receive a free screening at senior centers, welfare centers, and similar facilities.

According to the results of the 2023 Dementia Epidemiological and Status Survey released by the Ministry of Health and Welfare in March 2025, the dementia prevalence rate among Seoul residents aged 65 or older is projected to reach 8.81% in 2026, with the prevalence rate for mild cognitive impairment at 28.03%. Mild cognitive impairment, which is considered the pre-dementia stage, has surged by 6.16% compared to 2016 (21.87%), highlighting the urgent need for intervention.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government regards the management of mild cognitive impairment as crucial. To this end, the city will implement two intensive screening periods each year—in April and September—to strengthen early detection and management.

Any citizen aged 60 or older who has not yet undergone dementia screening can receive a free test. Citizens wishing to participate simply need to bring their identification and visit the designated site during operating hours without a prior reservation. Detailed schedules for each district (gu) can be easily checked on the Seoul Metropolitan Dementia Center website or via the dedicated QR code.

To accommodate elderly individuals who have difficulty visiting dementia care centers, the city will significantly expand its mobile screening service across all 25 districts. Professional staff will visit key community locations frequented by seniors, such as senior centers, welfare centers, and Tapgol Park, to provide dementia screening and one-on-one customized counseling.

The city also plans to actively encourage regular screening among high-risk groups, such as those turning 75 and seniors living alone who are 75 or older. Furthermore, for those identified with cognitive decline through the initial screening, the city will provide a comprehensive dementia management service, focusing on addressing gaps in care.

Based on screening results, the Dementia Care Center will offer tailored counseling and preventive education to various groups, including dementia patients, individuals with mild cognitive impairment, early-onset dementia patients (those who develop dementia before age 65), family members and caregivers, and the general elderly population. In addition, cognitive health programs will be connected so that all citizens can receive thorough care appropriate for their brain health status.

Both in-person screenings and digital-based dementia prevention management will be promoted. The “Brain Fit 45” smart app—which was piloted last year and officially launched this year—supports citizens in developing healthy brain habits in their daily lives. Brain Fit 45 is linked with the “Wrist Doctor 9988” device and provides services such as self-assessment of dementia risk, personalized missions for lifestyle improvement (cognitive training, walking, quizzes, etc.), daily health habit pledges, and regular evaluations. Any Seoul citizen aged 45 or older—including those working at Seoul-based companies or self-employed individuals—can use the app.

Jo Youngchang, Director of the Seoul Metropolitan Government’s Citizens Health Bureau, stated, “Since the quality of life in old age can vary greatly depending on when dementia is detected, early detection and management are of utmost importance. Through mobile early screenings, we will help even those with mobility difficulties receive check-ups, and by providing thorough follow-up support, we will further strengthen Seoul’s dementia safety net.”

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