GSA Momentum Discussions

Obstructive sleep apnea and obesity often occur together, creating distinct considerations for older adults. This episode of GSA’s Momentum Discussions podcast explores diagnosis, comprehensive treatment, including GLP-1 therapies and positive airway pressure, and barriers to coordinated, affordable care. The conversation also highlights reassessment, informed use of wearable data, and advocacy when coverage is denied.

Transcript

Speaker
Brian Wojeck, MD, MPH
Assistant Professor of Medicine (Endocrinology)
Yale School of Medicine

Tracy Zvenyach, PhD, MS
Vice President, Advocacy & Research 
Obesity Action Coalition

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

When changes in behavior, language, or personality appear, recognizing the cause can make a meaningful difference. This episode explores frontotemporal degeneration (FTD), why it is often overlooked as a type of dementia, and how earlier recognition can help connect individuals and families with support, resources, and informed care. Clinicians will also gain insights into key clinical red flags, diagnostic considerations, and available resources to improve care and quality of life for their patients.

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Guest
Esther Kane, MSN, RN
Director, Support & Education
Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration

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

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.

Transcript

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.

Transcript

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.

 

Transcript

 

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.

Transcript

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. 

Transcript

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).

Transcript

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.

Transcript

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