Lee Kyung-kyu expresses dementia concerns over family history

Broadcaster Lee Kyung-kyu has once again emphasized the importance of health management, revealing concerns over his family history of dementia following his past experience with angina and stent surgery. The honest confession from the veteran "National MC" is raising social awareness regarding cerebrovascular diseases and cognitive decline in an aging society.

On the YouTube channel 'God Kyung-kyu,' a video was released on the 23rd covering cerebrovascular disease and dementia prevention. Lee met with a neurologist to consult on brain health management and geriatric prevention strategies, candidly sharing his own health status.

"I am meeting an authoritative professor to listen in detail about brain diseases and cerebrovascular health," Lee said, adding, "As one gets older, it is inevitable that concerns about health grow larger." Amidst a global trend where "healthy life expectancy" has emerged as a major social issue, he intends to raise awareness by sharing his own experiences.

The production team also cautiously addressed recent online rumors regarding his health. They noted that some viewers had expressed concern in comments, citing changes in his pronunciation as evidence of illness. Lee drew a line against excessive speculation, stating, "Because I have been broadcasting for a long time, I developed a habit of slurring my words a little. It seems that made it look like my health had deteriorated."

However, he did not hide his history of cardiovascular disease. "There actually was a problem with my heart," he revealed, explaining, "My coronary artery was blocked, so I was diagnosed with angina and underwent stent surgery." He recalled, "My vessels were blocked 13 years ago, but I was completely unaware at the time. I only realized the severity after undergoing a detailed examination, and back then, even walking properly was not easy."

This case demonstrates that cardiovascular diseases often progress without distinct symptoms. Since the heart and brain share a physiological foundation of vascular health, medical experts recommend that patients with cardiovascular histories maintain continuous management to mitigate the risk of cerebrovascular disease.

The video also discussed representative early symptoms of dementia. The specialist explained, "Repeating the same question or frequently forgetting dates and days of the week are representative signals that may suggest cognitive decline." In response, Lee demonstrated these symptoms by struggling to recall his breakfast and lunch menus and showing confusion regarding the current date and day of the week.

Above all, his primary concern was his family history. "My father fought this disease for a long time before passing away," Lee said. "I wonder if parental medical history also affects children."

The specialist explained, "It is true that genetic factors play a certain part in dementia," but added, "However, the disease is not determined by genetics alone. Preventive management—such as lifestyle habits, managing blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol, as well as steady exercise and cognitive activities—plays a very important role in lowering the risk of onset."

After hearing the explanation, Lee let out a deep sigh and vowed, "Losing one's health is no different from losing everything. Just as I quit smoking, I will reduce my alcohol consumption and manage my health more thoroughly moving forward."

This confession goes beyond a personal health story, re-highlighting the cognitive and vascular health issues facing Korean society as it enters a super-aged era. In the medical community, the paradigm is shifting to view dementia not as a "natural result of aging," but as a condition whose progression can be slowed through early diagnosis and prevention. Lee's candid experience is gaining significant empathy as a realistic message regarding the necessity of proactive health management.