Long-Term Care a Focal Point at #AGS17

More than 2500 long-term and managed care providers, physicians, nurses, pharmacists, physician assistants, social workers, health care administrators, students, and other geriatrics stakeholders are poised to gather in San Antonio, TX, in just a few short weeks for the American Geriatrics Society (AGS) 2017 Annual Scientific Meeting, held May 18-20, 2017. 

“This is a special year for the Annual Scientific Meeting since it’s the AGS’s 75th anniversary,” noted Program Chair Paul Mulhausen, MD, MHS, FACP, AGSF. “This meeting will be a celebration not only of how far we’ve come in the field but also of the research and innovations that will drive our future—the best care possible for older adults.”

More than 800 abstract submissions and 100 events inform the conference program, which will continue to shed light on the challenges and opportunities facing long-term care providers. Noteworthy focal points for the 2017 gathering include:

AGS 75th Anniversary Lecture
(Thurs, May 18; 11AM-12PM CT)
Where have we been? Where are we going? To toast the of the AGS, join us for a special lecture by Past AGS President James Pacala, MD, MS, AGSF, to reflect on the past, present, and future of geriatrics expertise.

Controversies in Implementation of the Beer’s Criteria: To Deprescribe or Not to Deprescribe 
(Thurs, May 18; 1PM-2PM CT)
This session will offer solutions to common challenges and controversies when applying the AGS Beers Criteria to reduce the use of potentially inappropriate medications.

Providing High-Quality Dementia Care in 2017 and Beyond 
(Thurs, May 18; 2:45PM-4:15PM CT)
This symposium will explore strategies for providing optimal dementia care, including how to implement successful dementia care models and embrace cultural diversity when coordinating care.

Thomas and Catherine Yoshikawa Award Lecture for Outstanding Scientific Achievement in Clinical Investigation 
(Fri, May 19; 10AM-10:45AM CT)
In its inaugural year, the Yoshikawa Award Lecture will recognize the research accomplishments of a mid-career, clinician-investigator helping to revolutionize the care of older adults. 

Public Policy Lecture 
(Fri, May 19; 10:45AM-12PM CT)
This session will include the latest information on changes in the policy world as they relate to geriatrics health care professionals and older adults. Presenters will bring members up-to-speed on AGS policy priorities and what we can expect from the new Congress and Administration.

That Was the Year That Will Be: Bench Research Findings of 2016 That Will Be at the Bedside by 2021
(Fri, May 19; 1PM-2:30PM CT)
This symposium will focus on basic science and translational studies that will impact clinical care—including opportunities related to neurovascular, musculoskeletal, vascular, and cellular senescence knowledge—in the next five years.

Drug Therapy Controversies: Clinical Pearls for Your Practice 
(Fri, May 19; 1PM-2:30PM CT)
This program will review literature surrounding drug-related controversies for older adults, as well as ways to manage care, communication, and involvement among older adults and caregivers.

Assessing the Effectiveness of Interventions to Prevent or Slow Cognitive Decline 
(Fri, May 19; 2:45PM-4:15PM CT)
This session will offer a synthesis of evidence on interventions to delay the onset of cognitive decline. Attendees will learn to describe the state and strength of current research on everything from physical activity to promising pharmaceuticals.

Geriatrics Literature Update 2017
(Sat, May 20; 9:15AM-10:45AM CT)
A fan favorite among AGS meeting attendees, the Geriatrics Literature Update will focus on 30 of 2016’s most important published papers impacting older adults, caregivers, and geriatrics health care professionals.

Pharmacotherapy Update: 2017
(Sat, May 20; 12:45PM-2:15PM CT)
This symposium will address access to medications for older adults, summarizing changes over the past year in pharmacotherapy and prescription drug coverage available to older adults.

More information on the #AGS17 program and registration is available at AmericanGeriatrics.org.