Raising Dementia Awareness: Key Highlights from the PGH Lay Forum

In celebration of Grandparent’s Day, the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) hosted a Lay Forum on dementia at Robinsons Manila. Representatives from E*Chi’mes Pharmaceutical Inc. (ECPI) attended to support our partners in their advocacy to raise awareness about dementia.

Titled "Pagharap sa Dementia Kasama ang Pamilya," the forum equipped families with knowledge to identify early warning signs in their loved ones. Key sessions included Dr. Regor Dabid Balonga’s talk, "May Napansin Ka Ba? (Normal Aging and Warning Signs of Dementia)," and Dr. Liamuel Giancarlo Untalan’s presentation, "Buhay Pamilya Kasama May Dementia (Living Well with Dementia)."

According to 2025 estimates from the Department of Health (DOH), roughly 1 million Filipinos are currently living with dementia. Furthermore, a Department of Science and Technology (DOST) study indicated that 10.6% of elderly Filipinos have undiagnosed dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, which often results in delayed care and preventable complications. Timely diagnosis is crucial—learning to identify early symptoms can lead to better care and support.

ECPI extends its gratitude to Dr. Michelle Anlacan, Dr. Alvin Cenina, Dr. Jom Kimpo, Dr. Liamuel Untalan, Dr. Rigor Balonga, and Dr. Darwana Saydil for their dedication to helping patients and families navigate life with dementia.

To read more about identifying the early signs of dementia, check out our previous article here.