Programme focuses on strengthening clinical knowledge and practical skills among nursing students,
faculty and healthcare professionals
Chennai, September 19, 2026: Athulya Senior Care, in collaboration with Madras Medical College
(MMC) and Athulya Academy, organised a two-day academic programme titled “Comprehensive
Dementia Care: Current Concepts, Clinical Skills and Future Directions” on September 18 and
19, 2026, at Athulya Senior Care, Maduravoyal, Chennai. The programme focused on strengthening
understanding of dementia care and equipping nurses, nursing faculty, nursing students and
healthcare professionals with updated knowledge and practical skills to support older adults living with
dementia.
The programme brought together experts from geriatric medicine, neurology, nursing and
dementia care, with sessions covering current concepts, clinical approaches and the evolving needs
of people living with dementia. The initiative also sought to bridge academic learning with practical
caregiving and promote a multidisciplinary approach to dementia care.
The inaugural ceremony was held on September 18 and was inaugurated by Prof. Dr. R. Shankar
Shanmugam, Principal, Madras Medical College (MMC), Chennai and Registrar, Tamil Nadu
Nurses & Midwives Council, who attended the programme as the Chief Guest.
With dementia cases increasing alongside India’s ageing population, there is a growing need to
strengthen the skills and preparedness of healthcare professionals involved in senior care. A national
LASI-DAD study estimated that 7.4% of Indians aged 60 and above, or around 8.8 million people, are
living with dementia. Against this backdrop, programmes that combine academic learning with clinical
and practical insights can play an important role in building a better-trained workforce and
strengthening the quality of dementia care in India.
Speaking on the collaboration, Mr. Srinivasan G, Founder & CEO, Athulya Senior Care, said,
“Dementia care requires a multidisciplinary approach and well-trained professionals who understand
the clinical and emotional needs of seniors. Through this programme, we aim to strengthen knowledge
and practical skills while encouraging greater focus on specialised geriatric and dementia care.”
Dr. Nivedha Pathmanathan, Psychiatrist, Athulya Senior Care, added, “Dementia affects much
more than memory, often impacting behaviour, communication and everyday life. Strengthening
awareness among healthcare professionals can support early recognition, timely intervention and
more personalized, compassionate care for seniors and their families.”
The two-day programme included expert-led sessions and practical learning focused on key aspects
of dementia care, with perspectives from medical, nursing and mental health professionals. The
participation of 60 healthcare professionals provided an opportunity for knowledge exchange and
discussion around the evolving requirements of dementia and geriatric care.
The programme marks an important step towards strengthening dementia care in India by bringing
together academic learning, clinical expertise and practical caregiving perspectives. Through
this collaboration, Athulya Senior Care, Madras Medical College and Athulya Academy aim to support
the development of skilled healthcare professionals and promote a more informed, multidisciplinary
approach to dementia care, ultimately contributing to better care outcomes and improved quality of life
for seniors and their families.