A new center has opened to care for local people suffering from dementia. The Jeju Metropolitan Center for Dementia is being managed by Jeju National University Hospital, and it is working in cooperation with community health centers and local medical organizations. Joseph Kim has more.

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Jeju Medical Center

This is a medical center for senior citizens in Jeju City. Many patients suffering from dementia come here to receive care.

Currently, analysts estimate around 9,600 people on Jeju to have dementia.. At 11.4% of the elderly population, Jeju has the highest prevalence of dementia in Korea.

However, it is estimated that only 66% of dementia patients are diagnosed and receiving treatment.

In other words, 1/3rd of dementia patients are not getting the care they need.

Professionals suggest a lack of awareness keeps patients from seeking care in the early stages of the disease.

Interview
Go Chang-min / Jeju Medical Center
Dementia is such a misunderstood illness. Many patients miss the opportunity of getting the treatment they need to improve their quality of life.
<인터뷰 : 고창민/제주의료원 정신건강의학과 전문의>
"(치매에 대한) 이해가 좀 부족하시다 보니까 지레 겁을 먹고 치료시기를 놓친다거나 그런 경우가 많습니다."

The Jeju Metropolitan Center for dementia will provide ?integrated services for those on the island diagnosed with the disease and help the prevention and increased early detection.

Interview
Won Hee-ryong / Jeju governor
Many patients suffering from this disease have had to rely on their families or private clinics. From now on, though, the Jeju Metropolitan Center for Dementia will work towards prevention, treatment, and raising awareness of this illness.
<인터뷰 : 원희룡/제주특별자치도지사>
"그동안 (치매환자들이) 개별 가족들이나 개인 병원에 맡겨져 있었는데 이제 광역센터가 생겼으니까 예방·연구·도민들의 인식제고나 협력사업 등을 하는데 센터 역할을 할 수 있을 것으로 보입니다."

The center will conduct research and roll out businesses customized for local needs.

The center will also conduct training programs and work to raise awareness of dementia and its prevention.

Interview
Park Joon-hyeok / Dir., Jeju Metropolitan Center for Dementia
There are different dementia treatment options, which can dramatically improve the quality of life. The goal of our center is to get the word out, so more patients can receive proper care.
<인터뷰 : 박준혁/제주광역치매센터장>
"치매는 분명히 치료가 가능한 병이고요. 치료를 통해 증상 조절이 가능하기 때문에 실제 저희가 그런 홍보를 해나간다면 일선(지역의료기관)에서도 치료를 받는 치매환자가 늘어날 것으로 보입니다."

[camera]
Hyeon Gwang-hoon

[reporter]
Joseph Kim

The Jeju Metropolitan Center for dementia was established to act as a nerve center for the treatment of the disease.

However, it remains to be seen whether effective prevention and treatment of dementia is possible.

Joseph Kim KCTV