Valeria Macías Aguinaga MSc
Clinical Neuropsychologist, Gerontologist and Person-centered Care Advocate
We need to create opportunities for dialogue about dementia to reduce stigma. Through evidence-based information through person-centered, culturally responsive approaches, we can empower action.
Current Work
Valeria is a licensed psychologist specializing in clinical neuropsychology, gerontology, dementia, and aging. Experienced in person-centered care, postgraduate teaching, mentorship, advancing equitable dementia care in Ecuador through community outreach efforts.
Personal Hero
My parents
Words of Strength
Building meaningful partnerships.
Vision
We need to create spaces and opportunities for open dialogue about dementia to reduce stigma. By ensuring access to evidence-based information through person-centered, culturally responsive approaches, we can empower others to take action.
Strategy
Valeria supports people living with cognitive impairment, their families, and healthcare professionals through comprehensive cognitive and psychoeducational interventions, promoting active participation of the individual as the central focus of care.
Impact
As an Atlantic Fellow, Valeria aims to advance dementia and brain health awareness in Ecuador by sharing and translating evidence-based information into accessible knowledge, promoting prevention, equity, and early intervention grounded in local data
Motivation
Dementia remains highly stigmatized and poorly understood in Ecuador. Valeria aims to translate scientific evidence into accessible knowledge, advancing brain health through education, prevention, and person-centered care across the lifespan.
Education & Experience
Valeria studied Psychology at the Universidad Internacional del Ecuador (Summa Cum Laude). She holds a Master’s degree in Neuropsychology from the University of Salamanca (Spain) and a Master’s degree in Gerontology and Person-Centered Care from the Universidad Internacional de Valencia (Spain). She is co-founder and Clinical Intervention Director at SOMA, a member of the Neurology Department at AXXIS Hospital, and a university lecturer specializing in clinical interventions for older adults living with or without cognitive impairment or dementia.
Awards & Honors
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Valeria
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