Memory & Dementia Prevention

Q My parent has a family history of dementia. If there's a family history, will dementia inevitably come? Is prevention realistically possible?

A. A family history raises the risk but is not destiny. Studies show that even with genetic risk, lifestyle management and treatment can delay the onset or keep symptoms mild.

Q How do I distinguish simple forgetfulness from dementia? When should I get a neurology examination?

A. If you remember when given a hint, it's forgetfulness; if you can't remember even with a hint, get lost on familiar routes, or your personality changes, those are signs of dementia. If such symptoms appear, you should get a neurology examination promptly.

Q I heard that having depression raises dementia risk. Can depression and forgetfulness be treated together?

A. Depression shrinks the brain's hippocampus and more than doubles dementia risk. Memory often improves along with treating depression, so addressing both together is effective.

Q I have high blood pressure. How is it related to brain health? Will controlling my blood pressure also prevent dementia?

A. Midlife high blood pressure is an important risk factor that raises dementia risk by more than 60%. Keeping blood pressure in the normal range reduces brain blood vessel damage and directly helps prevent vascular dementia.

Q Does exercise really help prevent dementia? What kind of exercise and how much should I do?

A. Studies show that aerobic exercise increases cerebral blood flow and hippocampal volume, lowering dementia risk by more than 30%. Brisk walking or cycling for at least 150 minutes a week is realistically the most effective method.

Q I can't sleep well at night. Is this related to dementia? How should I improve my sleep?

A. The brain's waste products are cleared during sleep. If lack of sleep persists, this process is disrupted and dementia risk rises. A regular sleep schedule and 7-8 hours of sleep are important.

Q Is it safe to take Gongjindan or Chongmyungtang for a long time? Does it put a strain on the liver?

A. Herbal medicines, made from refined medicinal herbs according to a doctor of Korean medicine, are managed to minimize the burden on the liver even with long-term use. You can continue taking them safely as your condition is monitored regularly and the prescription is adjusted accordingly.

Q I've been taking blood pressure and blood sugar medication for a long time. Can I take herbal medicine like Chongmyeong-tang along with them?

A. In most cases you can take them together if you space them out (1-2 hours apart). However, you must tell us about your current medications during the consultation so we can avoid interactions in advance when prescribing.

Q It's been a year since my forgetfulness got worse. Is it too late to start now? How much can I improve?

A. The earlier you start at the forgetfulness stage, the greater the effect. Studies show that active management at the MCI stage can slow the progression to dementia and recover memory and concentration to some degree.

Q I'm in my 50s and after seeing my parents' dementia I want to prevent it in advance. Is starting at a younger age more effective?

A. Yes, the earlier you start prevention, the greater the effect. In your 50s, brain plasticity is still sufficient, making it the period when lifestyle management and treatment work most effectively.

Q My forgetfulness has gotten worse and I'm worried it might be early dementia. What is mild cognitive impairment (MCI)?

A. MCI is a pre-dementia stage where memory has declined but you can still manage daily life on your own. About 15% of MCI cases progress to dementia each year, so managing it at this stage is most important.

Q What raises the risk of dementia? I'm worried because I have high blood pressure and diabetes.

A. High blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, depression, lack of sleep, and social isolation are the main risk factors for dementia. Simply controlling blood pressure and blood sugar can significantly lower the risk.

Q Are there foods that are good for preventing dementia? How should I change my usual diet?

A. The Mediterranean diet (fish, olive oil, vegetables, whole grains, nuts) has the most research showing it lowers dementia risk. The key is to cut down on red meat, processed meat, and sugar while increasing colorful vegetables and oily fish.

Q Since retiring I stay home all the time. Is it true that dementia comes faster this way?

A. Social isolation is a powerful risk factor that more than doubles the risk of dementia. Outside activities that stimulate the brain, such as conversation, social interaction, hobbies, and volunteering, are genuinely effective in preventing dementia.

Q How often do I need to visit for dementia prevention Korean medicine treatment in Dongincheon, Incheon?

A. For the first 1-2 months it is common to visit about once a week and take herbal medicine daily. Once your condition stabilizes, visits are reduced to once every two weeks or once a month for ongoing long-term management.

Q In what order does the Korean medicine dementia prevention treatment proceed? What is done upon the first visit?

A. During the initial consultation, the patient's overall condition related to brain health, such as memory, sleep, and blood circulation, is examined and differentiated. Subsequently, the treatment proceeds step-by-step through stages 1 and 2, focusing on replenishing cerebrospinal fluid, restoring Qi and blood circulation, and managing daily life.

Q Is it actually possible to prevent dementia with herbal medicine? It is said that Chongmyungtang and Gongjindan are effective, but is there scientific evidence to support this?

A. There are clinical research results showing that prescriptions like Chongmyungtang and Gongjindan improve memory and concentration. However, they are not drugs that cure dementia; rather, they are significant for helping maintain brain function and slowing the rate of deterioration.

Q My neurologist didn't prescribe any dementia prevention medication. Can Korean medicine do what conventional medicine can't?

A. Currently, conventional medicine has no drug that completely prevents dementia. Korean medicine approaches lowering the risk by maintaining brain function, strengthening memory, and improving blood circulation, and it is meaningful when combined with lifestyle management.