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GeriPal - A Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine Podcast: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Alex Smith, Eric Widera
A geriatrics and palliative medicine podcast for every health care professional. Two UCSF doctors, Eric Widera and Alex Smith, invite the brightest minds in geriatrics, hospice, and palliative care to talk about the topics that you care most about, ranging from recently published research in the field to controversies that keep us up at night. You'll laugh, learn, and maybe sing along.
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- 1 weeks ago50 min
How Can We Improve Surgery for Older Adults? Unpacking the ACS Geriatric Surgery Verification Program
In 2019, the American College of Surgeons launched the Geriatric Surgery Verification (GSV) Program to provide evidence-based standards hospitals could adopt to optimize surgical care for older adults. As a surgical resident, I didn't think much about what that meant until I rotated through a GSV-verified hospital and gained firsthand experience. The structure built into the EMR prompted me to go beyond the usual risks and benefits of surgery and prioritize what matters most to patients, including what they hope surgery will accomplish, before booking an operation. It ultimately changed how I think about and practice caring for older adults as I continue my training. On this week's episode, we sat down with surgeons Dr. Emily Finlayson and Dr. Aaron Baggs, and geriatrician Dr. Ali Torbati to discuss how the GSV Program came to be, what it takes for a hospital system to earn verification, and how it's shaping the way surgeons and multidisciplinary teams care for older adult patients. Today's topics included: What is the history of the ACS GSV Program? Why should hospital systems participate? How do you successfully implement a GSV Program? What are the levels of verification, including the new Age-Friendly level? How does GSV align with the CMS Age Friendly Hospital Measures? How has care for older adults changed after GSV implementation? This episode builds on a previous GeriPal podcast on the Pre-Operative Geri Assessment with Drs. Vicky Tang and Houman Javedan: https://geripal.org/pre-operative-geri-assessment-vicky-tang-and-houman-javedan/ Learn more about GSV through the links below: ACS Geriatric Surgery Verification Program: https://www.facs.org/quality-programs/accreditation-and-verification/geriatric-surgery-verification/ GSV Program Standards, including the Age-Friendly level: https://www.facs.org/quality-programs/accreditation-and-verification/geriatric-surgery-verification/standards/ Making a Financial Case for the Geriatric Surgery Verification: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11191881/ Rachel Borthwell
- 2 weeks ago47 min
Can We Prevent Cognitive Decline in Aging? Multi-Domain Trials with Laura Baker and Ellen Binder
Can we prevent age-related cognitive decline, and perhaps even head off Alzheimer's disease and related dementias before they start? Pharmaceutical companies are spending billions searching for a magic bullet pill to answer that question. But what if the solution requires more than a single drug? What if real prevention demands a multi-domain approach that combines targeted diet, exercise, social engagement, and vascular risk factor management among other things? On today's episode, we explore multi-domain interventions for cognitive risk reduction with two leading experts: Laura D. Baker, PhD, Co-PI and first author of the US POINTER study. Ellen Binder, MD, Co-PI and senior author of the rrAD Trial. The key multi-component trials discussed in this episode include: FINGER Trial (Finnish Geriatric Intervention Study to Prevent Cognitive Impairment and Disability SMARRT Trial (Systematic Multi-Domain Alzheimer's Risk Reduction Trial -> Check out our previous GeriPal episode on SMARRT US POINTER Study (US Study to Protect Brain Health Through Lifestyle Intervention to Reduce Risk) rrAD Trial (Risk Reduction for Alzheimer's Disease) My key takeaway from this conversation? We now have compelling evidence that actively modifying lifestyle risk factors can preserve, and even improve brain health as we age. That makes this episode's song choice all the more fitting: "Get On Your Feet."
- 3 weeks ago45 min
When to Start or Stop Statins in Older Adults: Tim Anderson, Rita Redberg, Mike Rich
In 1987, lovastatin became the first FDA-approved statin in the United States. Four decades later, statins are among the most frequently prescribed medications nationwide, with atorvastatin topping the overall list. Now, updated guidelines have expanded statin eligibility to cover nearly every older adult. On today's episode, we are joined by experts Tim Anderson, Rita Redberg, and Mike Rich to discuss when to start, and when to stop, statin therapy in older adults. Topics we talk about on starting and stopping statins in older adults include: Updates and changes for statin use in older adults in the new 2026 Guideline on the Management of Dyslipidemia including: The transition to the new PREVENT (Predicting Risk of Cardiovascular Disease EVENTs) equations. Raising the target age for 10-year ASCVD risk estimation from 75 to 79. Lowering ASCVD risk threshold categories: Low ( Clinical Implications of these new guidlines: A new study led by Tim Anderson reveals that over 93% of adults aged 70–79 now meet the criteria for primary prevention statins. Does the STAREE trial change anything? The STAREE trial showed a 30% reduction in major cardiovascular events with atorvastatin in older adults, yet found no significant improvement in disability-free survival or all-cause mortality. Statin Discontinuation Trials: Should we change our practice now that the SAGA/SITE trial showed stopping statins in older adults who have been on them for more than a year had no impact on mortality, quality of life, cognitive function, functional status, symptom burden, and adverse events. Lastly, while we didnt talk about it, this is another great RCT on statin discontinuation in individuals nearing the end of life, finding no significant difference in 60-day mortality or 1-year cardiovascular event risk between statin discontinuation and continuation.
- 4 weeks ago50 min
Hot New Drugs in Palliative Care: Max Stevenson, Alex McPherson, and Nisha Iyer
When you think of palliative care pharmacotherapy, you probably think about the tried-and-true mainstays of our field like morphine, haloperidol, and senna. But the landscape of palliative symptom management is rapidly evolving, with hot new drug classes and rediscovered old-school opioids (and not just buprenorphine!) On today's episode of the GeriPal Podcast, we sit down with three expert palliative care clinical pharmacists, Max Stevenson, Alex McPherson, and Nisha Iyer, to talk about 5 hot new drugs (or rediscovered): Suzetrigine: It works for bunions (at least as well as opioids, maybe?), but can it work in palliative care? My take-home point here is that its not ready for prime time, but you may have a different take after listening. Levorphanol: The forgotten opioid that looks a lot like methadone but more NMDA. Should we bring it back to the living? Maybe if it were cheaper (why does an old drug cost this much?) Tapentadol: Basically a better version of tramadol (aka Tamadont) that combines mu-opioid agonism with norepinephrine reuptake inhibition. Expensive but our guests varied in the potential benefit here. Dual Orexin Receptor Antagonists (DORAs): Rerouting sleep management away from sedating Z-drugs and benzodiazepines to these new agents seems reasonable (again if cost was no concern) given that they appear safer (check out this JAGS article on DORAs and the risk of falls) GLP-1 Receptor Agonists: Wait, GLP1's in palliative care (not just stopping it when we get consults for weight loss)? There may be a couple reasons to consider… Also check out some of these podcasts that we talked about in this episode: Gabapentinoids – Gabapentin and Pregabalin: Tasce Bongiovanni, Donovan Maust and Nisha Iyer Tramadon't: a podcast with David Juurlink about the dangers of Tramadol Buprenorphine Use in Serious Illness: A Podcast with Katie Fitzgerald Jones, Zachary Sager and Janet Ho All the Questions You Had About Opioids But Were Afraid To Ask: A Podcast with Mary Lynn McPherson
- Sep 24, 202641 min
Interactive Maps of Aging: Judy Salerno and Lindsay Goldman
Love the story Judy Solerno tells at the start of this podcast. The story is about how John Snow, the father of modern epidemiology, mapped out cases of Cholera in London in the year 1854. He was able to identify a concentration of cases near a neighborhood water pump. Simply removing the handle from the pump halted the outbreak. This is one of the earliest recorded uses of maps for public health purposes. Our guests today, Judy Salerno (President Emeritus of the New York Academy of Medicine) and Lindsay Goldman (CEO of Grantmakers in Aging) have done some wonderful work creating detailed, in-depth, interactive maps of aging in New York City. Go to IMAGENNYC and try it yourself. Today we talk about: How the whole country became familiar with these sort of maps during Covid The case for using these maps for health needs of older adults, outside of the use cases in infections like Cholera and Covid Our "favorite" density maps of resources, services, and amenities, including: benches, crosswalks, tree canopy, heat vulnerability, among others. Use cases for these maps in public health and planning, grantmaking/philanthropy, and politics/policy advocacy. Judy's work creating similar maps for Sao Paulo Brazil (will add link here when website is up). How others can replicate this process in their home cities or counties And I get to sing Tapestry, by Carol King, which Judy chose in honor of two recently deceased giants of feminism, Dolly Parton and Gloria Steinem. My wife Cindy plays piano on the audio only podcast. -Alex Smith
- Sep 17, 202646 min
Flu, COVID, RSV, & Shingles Vaccines in Older Adults: Ken Schmader and Sharon Brangman
Just in time for respiratory virus season, this episode of the podcast breaks down essential vaccine guidance for older adults. From flu, COVID-19, and RSV to an added bonus deep dive into shingles, we cover everything you need to know to protect older adults this season. Our expert guests include: Kenneth Schmader, MD: A geriatrician and vaccine researcher who helped develop the zoster vaccine. Ken serves on the Working Groups for the Herpes Zoster, Influenza, COVID-19, RSV and General Adult Immunization Guidelines for the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). Sharon Brangman, MD: a geriatrician extraordinaire whom we've had in the past for her work in Alzheimer's, and whom we've now asked to talk about her work with the AGS Older Adults Vaccine Initiative. We covered a lot of topics, including: Who needs which vaccine at what age: Clear guidelines for COVID-19, RSV, flu, and shingles vaccines. Optimal seasonal timing: What the optimal timing during the year to receive the schedule their shots? Vaccine selection: How to choose between options, including standard-dose, high-dose, and new mRNA flu vaccines? Does the shingles vaccine really prevent dementia? Listen now and explore the links below for more resources. Eric Resources: AGS Vaccine Initiative Website. They have a variety of resources including: Get the Basics: Essential Vaccines for Older Adults Learn More: What You Need to Know About COVID-19 Vaccines for Older Adults (Age 65+) Ask The Expert: The Flu Vaccine Learn More: What You Need to Know About the Shingles Vaccine Get the Basics: RSV Vaccines for Older Adults (60+) CDC Adult Immunization Schedule The Nature study we discussed on the effect of herpes zoster vaccination on dementia
- Sep 10, 202643 min
Financial Mistakes and Exploitation in Dementia: Lauren Nicholas, Duke Han, Jason Karlawish
Difficulty managing money is often one of the earliest signs of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, frequently appearing years before an official diagnosis. This loss of financial capacity leaves individuals vulnerable to costly mistakes and exploitation, threatening the financial security and quality of life of entire families. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Lauren Hersch Nicholas, Dr. Duke Han, and Dr. Jason Karlawish to examine the intersection of cognitive decline, financial decision-making, and patient protection. We covered a lot of topics, including these key ones: The Financial Prodrome: Dr. Nicholas shares her health economics research showing that missed payments and credit score drops can appear up to six years before a dementia diagnosis—causing major wealth loss long before healthcare providers catch the issue, especially in lower-income communities. Brain Function & Social Buffers: Dr. Han discusses new neuroimaging research on how cognitive decline impairs financial judgment and explains how strong social connections can serve as a critical protective buffer. Clinical & Policy Solutions: Dr. Karlawish outlines the medical, policy, and financial-sector interventions needed to safeguard vulnerable patients. For a deeper dive on some of the articles we discussed, check out these references: My first JAMA paper on Finances in the Older Patient With Cognitive Impairment Lauren's plant money podcast on how your bank account might predict dementia Lauren's article on Management of Financial Assets by Older Adults With and Without Dementia or Other Cognitive Impairments Jason's editorial on the Importance of Asking Older Adults Whether They Are Having Difficulty Managing Finances. Jason's article on Desktop Medicine and the Practice of Wealth Care Duke's article on Financial exploitation vulnerability and social connectedness in middle-aged and older adults without dementia https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13607863.2025.2475331
- Sep 3, 202646 min
Weight loss, GLP-1s and Sarcopenia: A Podcast with John Batsis, Shen Dewar, Aruna Josyula
GLP-1 receptor agonists (the "Ozempics of the world") have been a truly revolutionary pharmacological advance in modern medicine. In randomized controlled trials (RCTs), these agents have been shown to do much more than just reduce weight, including significantly reducing cardiovascular events, lowering all-cause mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes, and even slowing the progression of chronic kidney disease. But as we see their use rapidly expand among older adults, we have to ask: at what cost? In geriatrics, weight loss is rarely simple. In older bodies, GLP1s carry increased risks, including accelerated muscle loss, functional decline, and possibly decreased bone density. So are we just trading weight loss for frailty? To help us untangle this complex web, we sit down with three expert geriatricians in obesity: Dr. John Batsis, Dr. Shen Dewar, and Dr. Aruna Josyula. What We Discuss in This Episode: How age-related changes alter the distribution of fat and muscle, even when body weight stays exactly the same. What are sarcopenia (muscle loss) and sarcopenic obesity, and why are they so dangerous for independence? A discussion on what happens to fat, muscle, and bone during standard weight loss versus weight loss accelerated by GLP-1s. Whether GLP-1-induced muscle loss a direct biological side effect from suppressed muscle protein synthesis, or is it simply the indirect result of a massive caloric deficit and dropping protein intake? A broad, geriatric-focused approach to weight, including a vital review of common medications that might actually be causing weight gain in the first place. Practical, actionable strategies to protect muscle mass and function when prescribing GLP1s A discussion of red flags in older adults, where we should have major hesitation before ever writing a prescription for a GLP-1 We cover this and more in the podcast. There is a forthcoming article in JAGS that addresses this topic, and we will add the link here once published. If you want to take a deeper dive, take a look at some of the following references we discuss: Aruna's article in JAGS titled "One Size Fits None: Developing a Person-Centered Approach to Weight Management in Older Adults" John's Annal's article on the "Effect of Incretin-Based and Nonpharmacologic Weight Loss on Body Composition: A Systematic Review" John's article on the "Unintended risks of sarcopenic obesity during weight-loss interventions in older people" in Nature Med. An article titled "The Effects of Incretin Mimetic Therapies on Muscle and Bone Health in Older Adults" A systematic review of the effect of weight loss on muscle-based indices An article on "Treating Sarcopenic Obesity in the Era of Incretin Therapies: Perspectives and Challenges" Shen's article describing "The Optimal Health Weight and Lifestyle (OHWL) Clinic" Shen's article titled "A Geriatrician's Approach to Managing the Complex Older Adult with Obesity" Another JAGs article on "Older Adults with Obesity: The Need for a 4Ms Age-Friendly Approach to Care" Lastly, <a hre
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About GeriPal - A Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine Podcast
A geriatrics and palliative medicine podcast for every health care professional. Two UCSF doctors, Eric Widera and Alex Smith, invite the brightest minds in geriatrics, hospice, and palliative care to talk about the topics that you care most about, ranging from recently published research in the field to controversies that keep us up at night. You'll laugh, learn, and maybe sing along.
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