South Korea marks 19th Dementia Overcoming Day

South Korea marked the 19th Dementia Overcoming Day with various initiatives aimed at improving public awareness and support systems for dementia patients and their families.

In Gwangju, Dr. Kim Nam-jun, director of Gieok Dream Psychiatry, received a commendation from the Ministry of Health and Welfare. Since 2018, Dr. Kim has served as a cooperating physician and instructor for the Gwangju Dong-gu and Gwangju Metropolitan Dementia Relief Centers. His work includes developing diagnostic tools, establishing examination manuals, and conducting early detection and counseling for over 1,200 patients and families.

In Siheung, the Siheung City Public Health Center hosted a commemorative event themed ‘A Memory Garden Drawn Together.’ The event featured exhibitions of essays and artwork by patients and families, as well as a mobile cafe operated by senior dementia supporters. Local organizations participated in providing health information and prevention programs to foster a dementia-friendly community environment.