June 2026

GERIATRICS

PRACTICE-CHANGING INSIGHTS IN GERIATRICS FROM SGIM 2026

Lee Lindquist, MD, and Sara Bradley, MD, returned from the Society of General Internal Medicine (SGIM) 2026 Annual Meeting with clinical insights that can reshape everyday practice.
 
Dr. Lindquist and Dr. Bradley identified several important practice-changers that can help clinicians enhance safety, preserve independence and improve quality of life for older adults.
 
Reassessing Antipsychotics After Hospitalization
Antipsychotic medications to manage delirium may no longer be necessary after discharge. Emerging evidence shows that continued use can increase the risk of rehospitalization and mortality. Thoughtful medication review during care transitions helps ensure these medications are appropriately discontinued or tapered, a focus of the deprescribing workshop led by Dr. Bradley at SGIM.
 
Use Caution With Alzheimer’s Blood Tests
New findings reaffirm that Alzheimer’s blood biomarker tests should not be routinely offered to asymptomatic individuals. Even when biomarkers are positive, most patients will not develop dementia within 10 years.
 
Surgery in Adults Over 65 Requires Broader Pre-surgical Planning
Recovery often takes three to six months, with some patients experiencing declines in function lasting up to a year.
 
Reevaluate Low-Dose Thyroid Therapy
For older adults on low-dose levothyroxine (50 mcg or less), emerging evidence shows no meaningful changes in symptoms or overall health.
 
Avoid Unnecessary Combination Blood Thinners
Among older adults with coronary artery disease already taking anticoagulants, adding aspirin may do more harm than good.
 
Compared to anticoagulation alone, combination therapy is associated with higher risks of:
  • Heart attack
  • Stroke
  • Clotting complications
  • Major bleeding
  • Mortality
 
Caffeine Intake Linked With Lower Dementia Risk, Better Cognition
Having two to three cups of caffeinated coffee a day or having one to two cups of tea a day was associated with lower dementia risk and modestly improved cognition.
 
Closing the Gap in Osteoporosis Treatment
Older adults hospitalized with hip or femur fractures often experience delays in osteoporosis treatment. Recent evidence supports initiating therapies such as zoledronic acid during hospitalization to reduce fracture risk and improve long-term bone health.
 
Resources to Reduce Anticholinergic Burden
Cumulative exposure to anticholinergic medications has been linked to reduced grip strength, slower gait speed and increased frailty. Tools like the Anticholinergic Burden Calculator can help clinicians better assess medication risk.

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Lee A. Lindquist, MD, MPH, is chief of Geriatrics and the George M. Eisenberg Research Professor of Geriatric Medicine at Northwestern Medicine.
​Sara Bradley, MD, is an associate professor of Geriatrics and Medical Education at Northwestern Medicine.

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