Professor and medical doctor Choi Kyoung-gyu, who currently practices at Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital, was given an award last week by the Health Minister for his contributions to dementia awareness.

Choi has served as the head of the Yangcheon-gu Center for Dementia, a state-run institution for dementia patients and their families in Seoul’s district of Yangcheon, since 2008.

The doctor was recognized for raising awareness about the disease in the region and for his ongoing medical research on dementia treatment.

About 10 percent of South Korea’s elderly population suffer from the brain disease, which severely hinders daily functions, according to the Health Ministry.

By Claire Lee (dyc@heraldcorp.com)