More than 1 million Koreans may lose their memory by 2026

This is information published by the Ministry of Health and Welfare of Korea on March 12, based on a 7 -year nationwide research. The number of people with dementia can double after 20 years due to the rapid population aging. 9.25% of 9.46 million people aged 65 and over in Korea were diagnosed with dementia – a disease that causes impaired brain function. The elderly accounts for 18.5% of the country’s total population.

After considering the current incidence in the elderly and the growth rate of aging population, researchers at the Ministry of Health and Welfare said that more than 970,000 people are experiencing this situation. This figure is expected to exceed 2 million in 2044.

A positive point is that the incidence of dementia in the age group has decreased compared to 9.5% recorded in the 2016 study. Scientists think this is due to society to reduce risk factors such as smoking, drinking alcohol. Excessive alcohol rate decreased from 10.6% in 2017 to 7.8% in 2023.

However, age is still the biggest risk factor for dementia. The report shows that the number of people diagnosed with mild cognitive decline (occurring before dementia) increased from 22.25% to 28.42% during this period. Currently, it is estimated that about 2.98 million people suffer from cognitive decline, the prediction increased to 4 million in 2033.

The number of patients with dementia increases, which means increasing financial pressure is increasing for the family and the national health care system.

In a survey conducted by health officials, 45.8% of the respondents said they felt “burdened”, financially or mentally, when caring for relatives with dementia.

The study also found that family members spend an average of 17.34 million won ($ 12,000) per year for patient care, 67% of the cost for hiring caregivers. The more severe the report is, the higher the cost of care tends to increase.

Because there is no memory loss treatment, officials said that early detection is very important, allowing doctors to intervene and treat promptly, improve the quality of life for patients and families.

Along with these efforts, the Ministry of Health will enhance the role of public health centers in early detection of memory loss, especially for high -risk people.

The Ministry is drafting a comprehensive plan to improve the system in the next 5 years. The policies are discussed as expanding support for families who are facing financial difficulties.

“Because the number of patients with memory loss is expected to continue to increase because of the aging population, we will develop many different policies, helping people to be healthy and reduce the burden on their families,” said Kim Eul-Ki, General Director of the Elderly Policy Department of the Ministry of Health and Welfare.