Program for Thursday April 30, 2026

Moderator: Christopher H. Schifeling, MD  

This session will present the latest peer-reviewed geriatrics research with questions and answers to follow.  Learning Objectives: (1) discuss new and original research in geriatrics; (2) describe an emerging concept or new scientific focus in aging research; and (3) summarize the key findings of projects with relevance to care of older adults.

Anticipatory Grief Experiences of Rural Caregivers of Persons Living with Dementia: A Qualitative Analysis                          
Nathan Chu, BS

Association of Gut Microbiome with Hypertension in Puerto Ricans                                                                                      
Alexandra M. Rivera Castro, MD

Financial Hardship and Quality of Life: Dementia Care Costs in LGBTQ+ and Non-LGBTQ+ Populations                                  
Sara G. Jackson, PhD, LCSW

Racial & Ethnic Differences in Analgesic Prescribing for Older Adults with Cancer Before and After 2016 CDC Guideline       
Lizzy Rueppel

Sponsored by the Research Committee and the Clinical Practice & Models of Care Committee and the Older Adults Facing Chronic Kidney Disease and/or Kidney Failure Special Interest Group

Moderator: Totini S. Chatterjee, MD

This symposium will address the professional practice gap in the practice of prescribing and management of SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 agonists in older adults with chronic kidney disease and geriatric syndromes. Learning Objectives: (1) review the evidence for the use of for the use of SGLT2 inhibitors and/or GLP-1 agonists in older and multimorbid adults, including a focus on historically underserved populations. Changes in clinical guidelines from various professional societies will be included; (2) discuss notable adverse effects associated with the SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 agonists, emphasizing their impact on geriatric syndromes; and (3) using an age-friendly “5M” framework, discuss when SGLT2 inhibitors and/or GLP-1 agonists should be used or deprescribed.

Use of SGLT2 Inhibitors and GLP-1 Agonists in the Older Adult: The Next Frontier
Daniel Forman, MD

SGLT2 Inhibitors and GLP-1 Agonists: Key Considerations in the Older Adult
Chintan V. Dave, PharmD, PhD

What Matters Most: Applying the 5M Framework
Onica L. Washington, MD, PhD

Sponsored by the National Institute on Aging in cooperation with the AGS Research Committee 
 

This symposium is intended for independently funded researchers at a mid- to senior career level. It targets the needs of research leaders and established investigators by providing an update from NIA staff on research programs and initiatives. NIA leaders will share updates on the budget and funding landscape, recent policy changes, and current research foci. Following these updates, NIA leadership and staff will take live questions from attendees. Learning Objectives: (1) discuss the current funding environment; (2) discuss recent policy changes affecting researchers; and (3) describe current research foci of NIA scientific divisions.
 

NIA Updates
Richard Hodes, MD
 

Remarks from NIA Divisions and Programs:

• NIA Division of Extramural Activities: Ken Santora, PhD

• NIA Division of Geriatrics and Clinical Gerontology: Evan Hadley, MD 

• NIA Division of Behavioral and Social Research: Amelia Karraker, PhD

• NIA Division of Neuroscience: Dave Frankowski, PhD

• NIA Division of Aging Biology: Stacy Carrington-Lawrence, PhD 

• NIA Office of Strategic Extramural Programs: Laura Major, DrPH 

• NIA Intramural Research Program: Myriam Gorospe, PhD 

The Presidential Poster Session features posters that received the highest rankings from abstract reviewers. Posters will be judged and one poster in each category will be chosen to receive a “Best Poster” award. Authors will be available to discuss the presented findings in the chat and answer questions. 

Co-Chairs: Jane Jih, MD, MPH, MAS & Benjamin H. Han, MD, MPH 

The mission of this SIG is to bring together AGS members with an interest in promoting health equity and reducing health and healthcare disparities among diverse older adults in order to 1) promote health equity initiatives at AGS; 2) develop programming and educational materials for AGS members; 3) create interdisciplinary relationships and mentorship with colleagues with an interest in health equity initiatives; and 4) cultivate collaborations in health equity-focused research and quality improvement initiatives among older adults.

Chair: Sindhuja Kadambi, MD

Fellows Representative: Evgenia Granina, MD 

The mission of this SIG is to assemble clinicians and investigators interested in improving the care of older adults with cancer. Activities range from disseminating the latest evidence in geriatric oncology, collaborating on research studies and clinical innovations, and discussing the integration of geriatrics into local oncology practices. A fundamental goal of this group is to find ways to more widely implement treatment guidelines that recommend geriatric assessments in older adults with cancer.

Chair: Maria D'Souza, MD, MPH

This SIG will provide a forum for AGS members who are dedicated to providing clinical care for individuals living with dementia and support for their caregivers, in order to discuss clinical questions, exchange information and resources, and explore ideas for improving our individual and collective practice, towards advancing optimal dementia care. 

Chair: Chuck Pu, MD, FACP, CMD

The mission of the Dual and D-SNPS Special Interest Group is to improve the quality and outcomes of health care and maximize independence among low-income older adults by bringing together geriatrics professionals dedicated to the care of these older adults, disseminating practical solutions and innovative geriatrics team care models, and advocating for public policy change to better address the needs of this population.  

Co-Chairs: Lolita Nidadavolo, MD, PhD & John Newman, MD, PhD

The Geroscience SIG brings together AGS members from varied backgrounds who all share a common interest in efforts to leverage our understanding of basic aging processes towards the discovery, validation and implementation of gerotherapeutic interventions designed to promote health, function and independence in late life.  

Co-Chairs: Melissa Dattalo, MD, MPH & Emma C. Williams, PharmD, BCGP, CPP

The mission of this SIG is to ensure every chronically ill, medically complex patient who is homebound and in need has access to quality HBPC that results in a profound improvement in medical outcomes, patient and family experience, and healthcare spending. To accomplish our mission, we: (1) provide awareness of the value and rewards of HBPC to AGS members; (2) support AGS members dedicated to advancing the field of HBPC; and (3) collaborate and discuss HBPC models of care, best practices, and key metrics to measure performance and quality of care.

Chair: Lyn Weinberg, MD

The mission of our Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP) / Delirium Prevention is to allow all current and potentially interested HELP sites to come together to hear the latest updates about HELP and delirium prevention, as well as network and discuss successes and challenges anywhere in the planning or implementation process. The Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP) is an innovative model of hospital care designed to prevent delirium and functional decline and to improve overall quality of hospital care for older persons. The program has been demonstrated to be both effective and cost-effective, with the potential for large cost savings.

Chair: Snigdha Jain, MD

The Junior Faculty Research Career Development Special Interest Group is for junior faculty members and research fellows pursuing careers in aging-related research. Topics will include annual updates on funding opportunities and SIG activities, planning future AGS meeting symposia, and election of new SIG leaders.

Chair: Cynthia Johnson

This SIG offers an opportunity to discuss in an open forum announcements and key issues related to geriatrics, extended care clinical programs, and research and education initiatives. All VHA staff attending the AGS Annual Scientific Meeting, and all other interested meeting attendees, are invited to participate.