GSA Momentum Discussions

This GSA Momentum Discussion Podcast episode, the first of three episodes developed in collaboration with the National Council of Dementia Minds, highlights how receiving a timely diagnosis of dementia can positively impact overall well-being, relationships, and more. Our three guests who live with dementia offer honest reflections and practical advice for healthcare professionals and the public, emphasizing how early recognition opens the door to self-advocacy, planning, and purpose. 

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.

Transcript

Speaker

• Steven Barbieri, President of the National Council of Dementia Minds
• David Compton, MD, Doctors with Dementia Group, National Council of Dementia Minds
• Joanna Fix, PhD, Former College Professor and Psychologist

Host

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

During this Momentum Discussion Podcast episode, Jim Mangi reflects on being the loving and selfless caregiver for his wife, Kathleen, whose 17-year journey with younger-onset Alzheimer’s disease ended in December 2024. Jim is a Vietnam veteran, author, retired business owner, and an environmental scientist with a PhD in Ecology – none of which prepared him to be a caregiver. Inspired by his wife’s grace during her journey with Alzheimer’s disease, Jim has dedicated himself to dementia activism efforts, including his tireless work in Saline, Michigan, aimed at making it easier for folks living with dementia to enjoy the community with less difficulty and more dignity.

This podcast episode is supported by Genentech, Otsuka, Lilly, and Eisai. Content was developed by Gerontological Society of America (GSA).

Transcript

Speaker

Jim Mangi, PhD, Dementia Friendly Services

Host

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

In this Momentum Discussions Podcast episode, Joseph Sapone reflects on his weight journey. He provides us with unique perspectives of an older adult who has lived in a larger body size for most of his adult life. He shares how stigma and bias have affected him in his personal and professional life as well as in healthcare and other settings. Joe discusses how a comprehensive approach to obesity management has helped him to achieve his health and wellness goals, and he offers insights into why it is so important that older adults have access to the full continuum of obesity care. 

Transcript

Guest
Joseph Sapone, MBA
Founder and President, P4+

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

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

In this Momentum Discussions Podcast episode, obesity advocate Ted Kyle shares a bit about his personal history with obesity and how this influenced his vital work as an advocate. He discusses his perspectives on how false beliefs and outdated paradigms, along with stigma and bias, negatively affect individuals living with obesity. Finally, he explains that good obesity care requires access to the full range of obesity care tools, and he offers a message to policymakers about the need to offer older adults access to the full range of obesity care options. 

Transcript

Guest
Ted Kyle, RPh, MBA
Founder, ConscienHealth
Chair, Obesity Society’s Advocacy Committee 
Steering Committee, STOP Obesity Alliance
Board of Directors, Obesity Action Coalition

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

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

During this Momentum Discussion podcast episode, GSA VP Lisa McGuire and TIAA Institute Head Surya Kolluri discuss how rapid transformations in our society are impacting trends in higher education. With life expectancy rising by 17 years since the Social Security program debuted in the United States nearly 90 years ago, tremendous opportunities have arisen on many fronts, including in higher education. The podcast also addresses some of the headwinds that come from these changes as they relate to institutions of higher education. Lisa and Surya discuss how, by broadening the scope of educational and recruitment efforts to include learners of all ages, institutions can be transformed and experience an economic lift.

Resources

• Download the Transcript
• Age Inclusivity in Higher Education Newsletter
  • Learners for Life, Issue 21, Winter 2025
  • Learners for Life, Issue 20, Fall 2024

Speaker
Surya Kolluri, MBA, Head of TIAA Institute

Host
Lisa C. McGuire, PhD, FGSA, Vice President of Strategic Alliances & Practice Innovation, Gerontological Society of America

 

This podcast received funding support from TIAA Institute. Content was developed by the Gerontological Society of America (GSA).

 

In this Momentum Discussion Podcast episode, Dr. Armen J. Moughamian, a neurologist who cares for people with neurodegenerative brain illnesses, including Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, explains anti-amyloid therapy for Alzheimer’s disease and mild cognitive impairment. He describes who may benefit from these therapies, discusses their efficacy and safety, and explains the importance of early detection of cognitive impairment. Dr. Moughamian also provides important insights into how primary care teams can help ensure that individuals who might be candidates for anti-amyloid therapies are well prepared for timely referrals to a neurologist.

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Speaker

Armen J. Moughamian, MD, PhD, Medical Director at the Ray Dolby Brain Health Center, Division Chief of Neurology, Vice Chair of Neuroscience at the California Pacific Medical Center

Host

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

 

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

In this Momentum Discussion Podcast episode, Dr. John A. Batsis, co-convener of the GSA Obesity and Aging Interest Group, describes exciting findings about how obesity management medications positively impact a variety of major medical conditions. He also describes the unique needs of older adults with obesity and highlights the need for evidence-based, team-based care for them. 

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Speaker

John Batsis, MD, Associate Professor, Division of Geriatric Medicine, School of Medicine, Department of Nutrition, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Host

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

 

This podcast episode is supported by Novo Nordisk. Content was developed by the Gerontological Society of America (GSA).

The Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) Model is a Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation demonstration model that launched on July 1, 2024. The model focuses on comprehensive, coordinated dementia care and aims to improve the quality of life for people with dementia, reduce strain on their unpaid caregivers, and enable people with dementia to remain in their homes and communities. During this Momentum Discussion Podcast episode, leaders from Emory Integrated Memory Care discuss the GUIDE Model and their experiences implementing the model. They also share insights on how other organizations can receive support from any of six evidence-based models through the National Dementia Care Collaborative. 

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Speakers:

Carolyn Clevenger, DNP, GNP-BC, FAANP, FGSA, FAAN, Professor, Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing at Emory University
Founder and Director, Emory Integrated Memory Care

Laura Medders, LCSW, Administrative Director, Emory Integrated Memory Care

Host

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

 

This podcast episode is supported by Eisai, Genentech, Lilly, and Otsuka. Content was developed by Gerontological Society of America (GSA).

Younger-onset dementia is diagnosed when a person under 65 develops dementia; some people are diagnosed even as young as their 30s or 40s. People with younger-onset dementia and their families have unique needs, particularly when the family includes children, teens, or young adults. Lorenzo’s House empowers young people and their families walking with younger-onset dementia through an array of holistic support–shifting the narrative from isolation to connection, stigma to strength, and darkness to light. In this Momentum Discussion Podcast episode, Patti LaFleur, the Youth and Lighthouse Outreach Lead for Lorenzo’s House, describes her journey as a care partner to her mom, who she lost to early-onset dementia. She shares how Lorenzo’s House empowers young people and their families walking with younger-onset dementia through an array of holistic support–shifting the narrative from isolation to connection, stigma to strength, and darkness to light.  

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Guest:

Patti LaFleur, M. ED, CDP, Youth and Lighthouse Outreach Lead, Lorenzo's House

Host:

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

 

This podcast episode is supported by Eisai, Genentech, Lilly, and Otsuka. Content was developed by Gerontological Society of America (GSA).

During this Momentum Discussion podcast episode, GSA CEO James Appleby and VP for Policy and Professional Affairs, Patricia D’Antonio, discuss the importance of older adults having access to and receiving age-appropriate vaccines. They describe the positive economic impact of being immunized, such as avoiding illness and maintaining work schedules and social engagements, avoiding co-morbid long-term illnesses and hospitalizations, and enjoying all aspects of living. They address topics pending at the upcoming Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, including a discussion on the age when individuals can receive a vaccine to prevent pneumococcal infections. Appleby and D’Antonio also discuss the significant role of all healthcare professionals in championing age-appropriate vaccines. 

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Speaker:
Patricia M. “Trish” D’Antonio BSPharm, MS, MBA, BCGP, Vice President of Policy and Professional Affairs, Gerontological Society of America

Host:
James Appleby, BSPharm, MPH, ScD (Hon), Chief Executive Officer, Gerontological Society of America

 

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