Charlotte Nijskens went on a work visit to the European Geriatric Medicine Society (EuGMS) conference in Reykjavik, Iceland, from September 24 to 26, 2025.
In September I attended the European Geriatric Medicine Society (EuGMS) congress in Reykjavik, where I participated in three engaging days of scientific exchange. My main objective was to learn from international experts about the latest developments in geriatric medicine, with a particular focus on cardiovascular care in older patients, which is also the subject of my PhD thesis. I had submitted a digital poster, which meant I did not have to present in person, giving me the opportunity to explore the program in depth and connect with colleagues.
The congress more than fulfilled my expectations. I was particularly interested in the recent progress in Alzheimer’s treatment. It was inspiring to see how close we are to a new chapter in dementia care. While therapeutic options were limited up until now, the coming years are likely to bring significant expansion. This evolution will not only improve patient outcomes but also change diagnostic routines: clinical assessment alone will no longer suffice, as biomarker testing will become a prerequisite for prescribing certain therapies if patients ask for treatment. For geriatricians, this implies a substantial increase in diagnostic responsibilities, as more patients will require specialist evaluation within hospital settings rather than in primary care. This presents new challenges, as recent healthcare strategies have focused precisely on reducing hospital care and delivering more care in the primary care setting.
On a more personal note, I enjoyed meeting several Dutch colleagues during the evening sessions, exchanging experiences on outpatient logistics in our hospitals. These conversations highlighted how valuable it is to look beyond our own institutions and to learn from one another.
Altogether, the congress not only provided me with new insights and useful connections, but also left me with questions about the future care for older people.