Seoul City announced today on the 19th that it will launch a digital healthcare mobile app called ‘Brainfit45’ for dementia prevention.
The app is designed based on the recognition that dementia progresses 10 to 20 years before it manifests, aiming to manage risk factors from middle age to enhance preventive effects. As Seoul is entering a super-aged society with over 20% of its population aged 65 or older, the city plans to strengthen early management systems.
The name ‘Brainfit45’ is derived from a study by the British medical journal Lancet (2024), which indicated that managing dementia risk factors from the age of 45 can reduce the risk by about 45%. According to the study, correcting lifestyle risk factors such as hearing loss, high blood pressure, diabetes, and depression can reduce dementia prevalence.
A 2025 survey by the Korean Dementia Association found that 95% of respondents in their 40s harbor fears about dementia, but only 14% engage in preventive behaviors. Seoul plans to increase participation in preventive actions through the app.
The app is linked with Seoul City’s health management app ‘Wrist Doctor 9988’ and offers features like self-assessment of dementia risk, lifestyle improvement missions (cognitive training, walking, quizzes, etc.), daily health habit pledges, and regular evaluations. Achieving target step counts provides motivation through Seoul landmark quizzes.
Brainfit45 is available to Seoul citizens aged 45 and over, as well as Seoul-based employees and self-employed individuals. After a pilot operation this year, it is expected to launch officially next March, aiming for 250,000 participants by 2030.
Seoul plans to introduce AI features in the future to precisely predict individual dementia risks and provide follow-up management in connection with dementia care centers in the 25 districts for high-risk groups. Participants aged 60 or over will earn up to 11,000 points as incentives, which can be converted to and used as Seoul Pay.
Brainfit45 will be available on Android smartphones starting on the 19th. An iPhone version will be provided in October.
Jung Hee-won, Head of Seoul Health Management, stated, “Brainfit45 is a strategy to delay brain aging through everyday cognitive activities and help maintain a healthy life.” Lee Kyung-hee, Head of Seoul’s Mental Health Division, commented, “The expansion from elderly-focused management to middle-aged prevention systems is significant.”