Nationwide Project for Early Detection of Dementia

ABSTRACT

The rapid increase of the elderly and dementia patients has motivated psychiatrists and government officials in Korea to participate in dementia research, programs and projects more actively since the nineties. Korean association for geriatric psychiatry and Korean association for dementia were founded in 1994 and the ministry of health and welfare pronounced the 10 year project for dementia in 1995 and the dementia service program at the public health center was established by law in 1997. Several leading groups of psychiatrists have started the dementia registry and service programs with the public health centers based on local communities and their endeavor made the foundation for nationwide projects for early detection of dementia. The pilot project of registry and service for dementia has been performed with the participation of 16 hospitals and 21 public health centers in 2006. And in 2007 nationwide project for early detection of dementia has started with 60 hospitals and 85 public health centers throughout the country. This project might contribute to delay the development and progression of dementia and help to promote the quality of life in dementia patients and their families in Korea.