NCSC, ADAP Forge Stronger Partnership to Advance Dementia Care

The 17th Annual Convention and 25th Anniversary of the Alzheimer’s Disease Association of the Philippines (ADAP) became a powerful convergence of advocates, caregivers, and health professionals, as the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) presented its commitment to “connect the dots” in dementia care nationwide.

Speaking before a packed ballroom at Crowne Plaza Galleria, NCSC Chairperson and CEO Dr. Mary Jean P. Loreche delivered a short but compelling message aligning NCSC’s work with ADAP’s theme, “Silver Linings: Connecting the Dots in Dementia Care.”

“Dementia changes memory — but it must never erase dignity. Today, we connect policy, community, and compassion to find the silver linings,” Dr. Loreche opened, earning nods from participants and caregivers in the audience.

The Challenge at Hand

Dr. Loreche presented sobering data: 10.6% of Filipinos aged 60 and above — or roughly one in ten — live with dementia, based on local population studies. Each year, an estimated 16 new cases emerge per 1,000 seniors, and projections show these numbers could more than triple by 2050 if left unaddressed. She noted that the average annual cost of care per patient is about ₱196,000, with unpaid caregiver time comprising the majority of this burden

NCSC’s Response: Connecting the Dots

Dr. Loreche outlined NCSC’s action pillars for dementia  care:
Senior Citizens Community Care Centers (SC3C) for cognitive screening and social engagement;
Digital Senior Citizen ID and data registry to map prevalence and plan resources;
Caregiver support and respite programs to ease hidden costs of care; Policy and advocacy partnerships with ADAP, DOH, LGUs, and academic institutions to integrate dementia care into mainstream services.

A Partnership with Purpose

ADAP President Dr. Alvin Cenina expressed his excitement over the deepening partnership with NCSC, calling the proposed joint action plan “a breakthrough in national dementia advocacy.”

“For 25 years, ADAP has been raising awareness and building capacity. With NCSC at the table, we can now align policy, resources, and action to truly transform dementia care in the Philippines,” Dr. Cenina said.

Looking Forward

The convention closed with a call to action to scale early detection across barangays, expand caregiver training, and build dementia-friendly communities by 2026. Dr. Loreche emphasized that “silver linings are not found — they are created by the choices we make together.”

With the momentum from ADAP’s 25th anniversary and NCSC’s first year of renewed leadership, stakeholders left the convention united in one vision: a future where no Filipino senior citizen faces dementia alone.