Bridging Global Practice: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Dementia Care
On June 18, 2026, the Department of Occupational Therapy of the UP College of Allied Medical Professions welcomed students, faculty members, clinicians, alumni, and healthcare practitioners to Bridging Global Practice: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Dementia Care, a special lecture that fostered meaningful discussions on evidence-based, person-centered, and interdisciplinary approaches to dementia care.
The lecture featured Ava Magdalena Nazarino, a CAMP BSOT alumna of Batch 2002, who shared more than two decades of clinical experience caring for older adults across various healthcare settings. Drawing from her extensive practice, Ms. Nazarino provided valuable insights into the evolving landscape of dementia care, highlighting the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in delivering holistic, individualized, and compassionate services for persons living with dementia and their families.
A central theme of the lecture was the importance of translating international best practices into interventions that are culturally relevant and responsive to the Philippine context. While global evidence provides valuable guidance for dementia care, participants reflected on the need to adapt these approaches to the realities of Filipino families, communities, and healthcare systems. Through practical examples and case-based discussions, Ms. Nazarino encouraged attendees to develop interventions that recognize the strengths, values, and lived experiences of Filipino older adults while remaining grounded in evidence-based practice.
The session also underscored the growing importance of geriatric care in light of the country’s aging population. As the prevalence of dementia continues to rise, healthcare professionals are increasingly called upon to provide not only competent clinical care but also compassionate, person-centered support that upholds dignity, autonomy, and meaningful engagement in daily life. Participants were encouraged to view dementia care beyond disease management, recognizing the vital role of advocacy, caregiver support, environmental adaptation, and community-based services in promoting healthy aging.
For occupational therapy students and practitioners, the lecture highlighted the profession’s unique contribution to dementia care through occupation-based interventions, caregiver education, environmental modifications, and collaborative goal setting. The discussions reinforced the importance of enabling older adults to continue participating in meaningful occupations while supporting families and caregivers throughout the progression of the condition.
Beyond expanding participants’ clinical knowledge, the lecture served as an opportunity to strengthen interdisciplinary partnerships and inspire future healthcare professionals to pursue careers in geriatrics and dementia care. It reaffirmed the value of continuous learning, global knowledge exchange, and collaborative practice in addressing the evolving healthcare needs of an aging society.
The College of Allied Medical Professions extends its sincere gratitude to Ms. Nazarino for generously sharing her expertise, experience, and passion for advancing dementia care. Her insights challenged participants to think critically about delivering compassionate, evidence-informed, and culturally responsive care for older adults.
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