Momentum Discussions

Covering a broad range of aging topics, these discussions highlight the latest research and innovative solutions. Audience participation is encouraged to explore ways to improve the lives of older adults.

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Momentum Discussions will be held on Thursday and Friday of the meeting from 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM. These sessions are included with your meeting registration, but space is limited-sign up to secure your spot today!

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Thursday, November 5

Time: 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Location: Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center

Vaccines are one of public health’s greatest tools. In this session, we will explore why that is, how they work, and why they are particularly important for older adults. Join us for an engaging discussion as we bring our platform, the Concentric Value of Vaccination as We Age, live and in-person.

Support provided by CSL Seqirus, GSK, Moderna, Pfizer, and Sanofi.

This session will share key findings from AARP’s 2026 Longevity Economy Outlook and introduce new analysis that estimates the economic value of adding one year of healthy life through a hypothetical geroscience intervention, highlighting the economic benefits of investing in healthspan at the population level.

Support provided by AARP.

Many people living with Alzheimer’s disease experience distressing changes in perception or what is known as psychosis that can include hallucinations and delusions. To address these challenges, this session features a variety of perspectives of Alzheimer’s-related psychosis, including that of a care partner whose husband experienced Alzheimer's related psychosis. Together, panelists will deliver practical, interdisciplinary strategies that balance medical safety with compassionate behavioral tools to ease patient distress and reduce caregiver burnout.

Support provided by Bristol Myers Squibb.

What if a dementia diagnosis could be a starting point for connection, support and new possibilities? This engaging Momentum Discussion will explore how Dementia Friendly America (DFA) initiatives are helping communities move from awareness to action—and creating opportunities for people living with dementia and their care partners to live well. Moderated by Sandy Markwood, CEO of USAging, the conversation will highlight how Area Agencies on Aging provide dementia-related services and supports and engage in local dementia-friendly efforts. Mary Ek, Director of Dementia Friendly America, will share how communities are engaging health care, businesses, libraries, faith communities, local government and other sectors to foster greater understanding, welcoming environments and support. Teresa McCarthy, a geriatrician at the University of Minnesota, will bring a clinical perspective on the importance of dementia awareness and education among health care professionals, including how the Dementia Friends curriculum can help future clinicians better understand dementia, reduce stigma, communicate more effectively and provide more person-centered care. Most importantly, a person living with dementia and their care partner will share how participating in dementia-friendly engagement opportunities like Memory Cafes and dementia-friendly choirs has created connection, purpose and joy after diagnosis. Together, the panel will demonstrate how education, community partnerships, health care and meaningful engagement can change the dementia journey and help people living with dementia and their care partners live and thrive in their community.

Support provided by Dementia Friendly America and Eisai.

Friday, November 6

Time: 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center

Join us for a candid and vital discussion on the lived experience of receiving an Alzheimer’s or dementia diagnosis. We will explore the complex ethics of diagnosis disclosure—how and when to tell family and friends—and the critical importance of early-stage planning while the individual’s voice is most prominent. Most importantly, we will dive into the emotional and identity shifts that are often sidelined in clinical settings: how does one reconcile their sense of self with a changing brain? Featuring the essential perspectives of individuals recently diagnosed, this session offers a rare look at the resilience, grief, and agency found at the start of the journey.

Support provided by Eisai, Genentech, and Lilly.

This interdisciplinary panel flips the paradigm by positioning obesity not as a consequence of aging, but as the foundational metabolic driver of late-life chronic disease. Bringing together leading voices with interdisciplinary perspectives, the session explores how adipose tissue dysfunction accelerates pathologies like cardiovascular disease and cognitive decline. Panelists will discuss how redefining obesity can dismantle clinical silos, eliminate weight stigma, and overhaul chronic care management. Ultimately, attendees will learn collaborative strategies to improve healthspan in older populations. This session is in collaboration with The Obesity Society.

Support provided by Lilly.

The Global Council on Brain Health has updated its evidence-based recommendations on three essential contributors to brain health: physical activity, social engagement, and sleep. In this session, leading experts will highlight what the latest research adds to our understanding, where the evidence has evolved, and what the findings mean for older adults, practitioners, researchers, and organizations working to promote healthy aging. The session will conclude with a discussion of the shared themes across the three reports and opportunities to translate the evidence into practical action.

Support provided by AARP.

More Momentum Discussions are on the way—new sessions will be added as they’re confirmed. Check back often for updates.

GSA 2026 Program Website—Opening September 15

To learn more about these sessions—including dates, times, and locations—and to begin building your personalized schedule, visit the GSA 2026 Program Website. Registered attendees can log in using their GSA ID to access full session details and abstracts.

View the Program Website

Already registered for GSA 2026 but want to register for a Momentum Discussion?

Log into your GSA 2026 Account.

Click on "My Dashboard" in the top right corner.

Under “My Upcoming Events”, select "GSA 2026 Annual Scientific Meeting" and click "View Registration".
Select additional items to add to your registration (e.g., workshops, continuing education, or social events like pickleball), and follow the prompts to proceed to checkout.
Finalize your registration by selecting the "Update Registration" button.

Momentum Discussions