“I can’t recognize people quickly”: 87-year-old Jeon Won-ju’s latest update ... diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment [Health Talk]

[Financial News] Actress Jeon Won-ju, 87, revealed that she had been diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment, and photos and videos of her dining with acquaintances have been released. Mild cognitive impairment is a condition in which cognitive abilities, including memory, decline, but the ability to carry out daily activities is relatively preserved; it is distinct from dementia.
On the 5th, Jeon Won-ju’s manager posted photos and videos on social media (SNS) of her dining with two acquaintances. During the meal, Jeon suggested they go together to an event where they could enjoy singing and theater, and also showed off some dance moves.
Earlier, Jeon spoke about the difficulties she experiences because of her declining memory on MBN’s “Unforgettable Duet 2,” which aired on the 31st of last month.
“These days, I can’t recognize people right away. Even when I hear that I met someone not long ago, I can’t really remember. My memory is gradually getting worse,” she said, revealing that she had previously been diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment.
Actress Kim Hyeong-ja, who appeared on the show with her, said that Jeon had once repeated the words, “Why are there so many people here?” about 20 times at a gathering.
Jeon also revealed that she had been diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment during a health checkup on TV Chosun’s “Perfect Life” in April. At the time, she underwent a mini-mental state examination and a brain computed tomography (CT) scan, among other tests.


Mild cognitive impairment refers to a condition in which memory, judgment, or other abilities are below the typical level for the same age group, but the ability to carry out daily activities independently is preserved.
According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency’s National Health Information Portal, cognitive decline can be classified as subjective cognitive decline, mild cognitive impairment, or dementia.
Mild cognitive impairment is a condition in which a decline is found in one or more cognitive abilities, such as memory, concentration, or language, but the person has no major difficulty maintaining daily life independently.
Dementia, by contrast, refers to a condition in which cognitive decline becomes severe enough to significantly interfere with daily life.
Therefore, a diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment does not mean that dementia will inevitably develop. Some patients’ cognitive abilities remain stable or even improve, but others progress to dementia, so ongoing monitoring is necessary.

According to Seoul National University Hospital’s medical information, memory decline is a common symptom of mild cognitive impairment. Symptoms include forgetting recent events or repeating the same questions.
When distinguishing mild cognitive impairment from ordinary forgetfulness, it is important to determine whether cognitive decline is confirmed by objective tests.
Memory can decline as part of normal aging, but mild cognitive impairment involves a clear decline in cognitive function compared with others in the same age group.
During diagnosis, the timing and progression of symptoms are established through accounts from the patient and family, while neuropsychological tests assess memory, language ability, attention, and other functions.
Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or positron emission tomography (PET) scans may be performed if needed. However, in some cases, mild cognitive impairment and dementia are difficult to distinguish clearly with a single imaging test, making follow-up examinations necessary.

People diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment need to have changes in cognitive function monitored regularly and manage their lifestyle as well.
The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency’s National Health Information Portal recommends regular physical, social, and cognitive activities to help prevent cognitive decline.
In particular, physical activity may improve cardiovascular health and help reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Maintaining cognitive activities such as reading and learning, and interacting with other people, are also recommended.
It is also important to manage conditions that affect vascular health, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and dyslipidemia.
However, this does not mean that these activities treat existing mild cognitive impairment or definitively prevent its progression to dementia.
The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency explains that some brain-function-enhancing medications may be considered for patients with mild cognitive impairment, but there is insufficient clear evidence that these drugs reduce the risk of progression to dementia.
Seoul National University Hospital notes that mild cognitive impairment, normal aging, and dementia share some symptoms, which can make diagnosis difficult. Depending on changes in cognitive function, follow-up examinations over one to two years may be needed in some cases.


[email protected] Han Seung-gon Reporter