July 2025

GERIATRICS

HIGHLIGHTS FROM AGS AND SGIM ANNUAL MEETINGS

Lee A. Lindquist, MD, outlines the sessions that stood out during the recent American Geriatrics Society (AGS) and Society of General Internal Medicine (SGIM) annual meetings.

Virtual Memory Care Clinic
Jennifer M. Woodward, MD, introduced a Virtual Memory Care Clinic designed to improve older adults’ access to care in Illinois. This initiative lets people access consultations remotely, improving the availability of specialized memory care.

Prevalence and Impact of Geriatric Syndromes in Hospitalized Older Adults
Research from University of Sao Paulo in Brazil indicated that about 50% of hospitalized older adults exhibit over six geriatric syndromes. This statistic underscores the need for more access to geriatric consultations in hospital settings, whether through virtual consultations or in-person interactions. Thiago Avelino-Silva, MD, PhD, and Marlon J. R. Aliberti, MD, PhD, presented these findings.

NegotiAge Training for Caregivers
Northwestern Medicine social worker and researcher Alaine Murawski, LSW, AM,  presented findings from a negotiation training program for family caregivers. NegotiAge is an AI-based training program that teaches caregivers how to negotiate. This brief program significantly lowered caregiver burden and boosted positivity within just one month, demonstrating the powerful impact of targeted training.

Role of Biomarkers in Alzheimer's Disease
Both conferences highlighted a limited role for biomarker testing in diagnosing Alzheimer's disease for primary care physicians. A significant study from Eric Widera, MD, and Kenneth Covinsky, MD, and published by JAMA Internal Medicine found that these tests do not substantially alter patient management, emphasizing the need for a more nuanced approach to Alzheimer's diagnosis.

Phenotypes of Aging in Place
Northwestern Medicine research coordinator Raven Relerford discussed identifying different types of older adults based on their approach to planning for support as they age. Understanding these behaviors can guide interventions to ensure patients receive the appropriate support and planning.

Challenges of Polypharmacy
A recurring theme across both conferences was the prevalence of polypharmacy among older adults. Discussions warned against inappropriately prescribing medications, particularly benzodiazepines and certain over-the-counter drugs, which can lead to confusion and adverse effects. Additionally, the use of gabapentin derivatives was associated with an increased risk of hip fractures, highlighting the importance of careful medication management.

Geri-A-Float Program
Northwestern Medicine's collaboration with Vanderbilt on the Geri-A-Float program offers valuable online resources and lectures for patients in areas without access to geriatric specialists. The program fosters knowledge sharing and discussion of geriatric care.

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