GSA Momentum Discussions

This episode explores Alzheimer's-related psychosis through both personal and clinical perspectives, highlighting how delusions and hallucinations can affect people living with Alzheimer's disease and those who care for them. Listeners will learn person-centered strategies for responding with empathy, supporting well-being, and navigating challenging situations while honoring the individual's experience. The discussion also highlights the importance of caregiver support, interdisciplinary care, and practical resources that can help families throughout their dementia care journey.

Support provided by Bristol-Myers Squibb.

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Guests

• Kalisha Bonds Johnson, PhD, RN, PMHNP-BC, Assistant Professor, Tenure Track, Emory University
• Maureen Morrison, CPA, Wife of Angus, who lives with Alzheimer's disease

Host

• Jennifer Pettis, MS, RN, CNE, Director, Strategic Alliances, Gerontological Society of America

 

In this episode of the GSA Momentum Discussions Podcast, Paige Denison and Dr. Liz Joy share insights into the global Exercise is Medicine initiative and explore how clinicians can integrate physical activity as a vital sign in clinical care. From formal exercise prescriptions to community resources and the “Rx for Health” series, this episode provides practical guidance for healthcare providers and individuals looking to harness the power of movement to prevent and manage chronic conditions.

This podcast episode is supported by the Gerontological Society of America (GSA) and highlights innovative approaches to bridging clinical care and lifestyle medicine.

Support provided by Haleon and Lilly.

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Guests

• Elizabeth Joy, MD, MPH, DIpABLM, FACSM, Chairperson, Exercise is Medicine, Host, She Leads Science
• Paige Denison, BS, PAPHS, Director – Health, Wellness, and Project Enhance, Sound Generations

Host
Elana Kieffer Blass, MBA, Director of Strategic Alliances, Gerontological Society of America

In this episode of the GSA Momentum Discussions Podcast, Cristine Gallagher, MPAff, Obesity Care Advocacy Network (OCAN) Coordinator, shares insights into the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge and BALANCE models and explains how these models expand access to anti-obesity medications for older adults. She offers practice advice for navigating the Bridge model for prescribers and older adults living with obesity. 

Support provided by Lilly and Novo Nordisk.

 

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Speaker
Cristy Gallagher, Associate Director of Research and Policy, STOP Obesity Alliance
Milken Institute School of Public Health, The George Washington University

Host
Jennifer Pettis, MS, RN, CNE, Director, Strategic Alliances Gerontological Society of America

 

This GSA Momentum Discussions podcast episode explores why nutrition is essential to healthy aging. The conversation examines age-related changes in appetite and nutrient needs, the risks of nutritional deficiencies as we age, and the role of diet and physical activity in preventing sarcopenia. It also highlights emerging research and practical strategies to help older adults maintain strength, function, and independence.

Support provided by Haleon.

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Guest

Roger A. Fielding, PhD

• Associate Director, Jean Mayer, USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging  
• Lead Scientist and Senior Scientist, Nutrition, Exercise Physiology, and Sarcopenia Team  
• Professor of Nutrition, Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University  
• Professor of Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine

Host

Jennifer Pettis, MS, RN, CNE, Director, Strategic Alliances Gerontological Society of America

 

During this Momentum Discussions podcast episode,  Dr. Bethea (Annie) Kleykamp of the University of Maryland School of Medicine and the Maryland Addiction Consultation Service  talks to us about opioid use among older adults. She explores the many reasons people use opioids, common misconceptions around opioid use and older adults, her very personal reason for researching this topic, and how each of us can play a role in preventing an opioid overdose. And to learn more about this important topic, check out GSA’s recently-published report, Staying Safe with Opioids at Home. 

This podcast episode is supported by Emergent BioSolutions. Content was developed by Gerontological Society of America (GSA). 

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Guest:
Bethea (Annie) Kleykamp, PhD, MA, Assistant Professor, Psychiatry Department, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Director, Research and Evaluation Maryland Addiction Consultation Service (MACS)

Host:

Elana Kieffer Blass, MBA, Director of Strategic Alliances, GSA

Amyloid-lowering monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapies for early symptomatic Alzheimer’s disease, including mild cognitive impairment and mild dementia, have generated new excitement about the future of treatment for this progressive condition. These treatments aim to slow or halt the progression of Alzheimer's disease by tackling an underlying cause of the disease – not just managing its symptoms. The evidence shows that individuals receiving these therapies can experience slower disease progression and the potential to extend their independence in everyday life.  This GSA Momentum Discussion webinar, recorded at the GSA 2025 Annual Scientific Meeting, highlights the clinical outcomes associated with mAb therapies through the reflections of patients receiving the treatments and those who support them. 

Support provided by Eisai. 

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Speakers

• Tracy Collins, Person living with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease
• Scott Hardy, Care partner to Tracy

Host

Jennifer Pettis, MS, RN, CNE, Director, Strategic Alliances, Gerontological Society of America

In this episode of the GSA Momentum Discussions Podcast, titled "Trends in Comprehensive Obesity Care for Women as They Age," a family medicine doctor and geriatrician with deep expertise in care of older adults with obesity reflects on the unique needs of older and aging women with obesity. She discusses key assessment principles that clinicians should consider when caring for women with obesity as they age, and she highlights the importance of comprehensive, individualized care by an interprofessional team for older and aging women with obesity. 

This podcast episode is supported by Haleon and Novo Nordisk, with content developed by the Gerontological Society of America (GSA).

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Speaker

• Anna Pendrey, MD, Dipl. ABOM, Assistant Professor, Family Medicine and Geriatrics Physician, Indiana University School of Medicine

Host

• Jennifer Pettis, MS, RN, CNE, Director, Strategic Alliances, Gerontological Society of America

In this episode of GSA’s Momentum Discussions, sociologist Dr. Mindy Fried shares how caring for her father inspired her memoir Caring for Red and launched her into podcasting about aging and caregiving. She reflects on the emotional realities of caregiving, the complexities of assisted living, and the power of storytelling to build community and drive change.

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Speaker

Mindy Fried, MSW, PhD
Principal, Arbor Consulting Partners
Producer, Open Your Heart
Creator/Host, The Shape of Care podcast
Author, Caring for Red: A Daughter’s Memoir

Host

Elana Kieffer Blass, MBA, Director of Strategic Alliances, Gerontological Society of America

In this episode of the GSA Momentum Discussions Podcast, titled "Living Well with Dementia," three individuals living with dementia share personal insights into how they continue to lead meaningful, engaged lives after diagnosis. Through heartfelt reflections, they explore what “living well” truly means—from maintaining daily routines and adapting beloved hobbies to the critical role of peer support and the importance of compassionate care partners. Their stories offer valuable guidance for healthcare professionals, families, and communities on how to better support those navigating life with dementia.

This podcast episode is supported by Genentech, Lilly, Eisai, and Otsuka, with content developed by the Gerontological Society of America (GSA) in collaboration with the National Council of Dementia Minds.

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Speakers

• Scott Guernsey Human Resources Consultant, HR Components, LLC
• Krissan Moss, RN, BSN, Retired Clinical Education Manager, Genentech
• Jay Reinstein, Former Assistant City Manager of Fayetteville, NC | Board member, Alliance for Aging Research

Host

Jennifer Pettis, MS, RN, CNE Director, Strategic Alliances, Gerontological Society of America

In this GSA Momentum Discussions Podcast episode, members of the National Council of Dementia Minds reflect on their first year living with a dementia diagnosis. They speak candidly about the moment they received the diagnosis, the support they did—or didn’t—receive from their medical providers, and what has helped them adjust to this new chapter of life. Their lived experiences offer clear, actionable insights for primary care teams on how to better support people living with dementia in the months that follow a dementia diagnosis. 

This podcast episode is supported by Genentech, Lilly, Eisai, and Otsuka, with content developed by the Gerontological Society of America (GSA) in collaboration with the National Council of Dementia Minds.

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Speakers

• Phyllis Cole Member, National Council of Dementia Minds, Dementia Friendly Services
• Miriam Owens, Christian Author and Special Education Advocate, Rhema Publishing and Consulting, LLC
• Seth Stern, MD, Obstetrics and Gynecology, NYC Health and Hospitals - Jacobi

Host

Jennifer Pettis, MS, RN, CNE Director, Strategic Alliances, Gerontological Society of America