Actress Jeon Won-ju has bravely opened up about receiving an early-stage dementia diagnosis.
In a recent episode of TV Chosun’s ‘Perfect Life’ that aired on the 29th of last month, Jeon Won-ju revealed the results of her health check-up.
Having recently undergone surgery for a hip fracture caused by a fall on an icy road, she shared an update, saying, “I’m doing better now. I feel like I can live again thanks to the treatment.”
While sharing a meal with her long-time friend, veteran actress Seo Woo-rim, Jeon expressed her worries: “I’ve been forgetting things more often lately. I sometimes fail to recognize people, which leads to misunderstandings, and I know faces but can’t remember names.” She even mentioned a time she forgot someone bought her a meal, which prompted her to start the habit of taking notes.
In a touching moment, she brought out a piece of paper and began writing her will, stating, “We never know when we’ll leave. Before I go, I want to clear my mind and leave a meaningful will for the next generation.”
Jeon shared that she is staying active with singing, dancing, and hiking to avoid becoming a burden to her children and those around her. She spoke heartbreakingly about a close friend with dementia, recalling a moment when the friend asked, “Who are you?” right after greeting her. “Seeing a friend with dementia makes me feel that it might be better to pass away. It’s devastating; it’s like not truly living,” she said.
Jeon then visited a hospital, revealing she was diagnosed with early-stage dementia during a check-up a year ago. During a Mini-Mental State Examination, she scored 22 out of 30, which is below the normal threshold of 24. A specialist explained, “The score is on the lower side. Based on the test results and daily life, Jeon Won-ju’s current state is Mild Cognitive Impairment, which is the pre-dementia stage.”
