Events

Webinar – Novel Technological Approaches for Detection of Cognitive and Functional Impairment: Drs. Larsen, Stamps, and Milburn

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQhT0iakfYE Abstract:  This webinar explored cutting-edge technologies aimed at improving early detection and monitoring of cognitive and functional impairments in older adults. Dr. Kate Papp (Mass General Brigham) opened the session by highlighting the challenges of traditional clinical assessments—lengthy, labor-intensive, and inaccessible to many—and the promise of scalable, remote, and ecologically valid digital tools to address the growing needs of an aging population. Three MassAITC pilot awardees presented innovative approaches: Dr. Eric Larson (Sonde Health) discussed testing a vocal biomarker platform that leverages AI to detect and monitor cognitive impairment via smartphone-based voice samples collected in home environments. Early findings show high participant engagement and promising accuracy in distinguishing cognitive status. Dr. Jennifer Stamps (Rendever) shared progress on a multimodal virtual reality (VR) fitness platform that combines physical exercise, cognitive stimulation, and social engagement. The…

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New Product Versions: Sonde One app (vocal biomarker research platform)

Sonde One app (vocal biomarker research platform) has incorporated two new capabilities whose development was funded through this pilot project (Mobile Monitoring of Cognitive Change "M2C2" mobile cognitive assessments and audio playback functionality). Sonde already makes it research platform available to collaborators in other studies and these upgraded functionalities will be made available to interested researchers.

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NIH Research Highlight: Smartphone clip attachment may help some people self-monitor blood pressure

NIA-funded researchers have developed a low-cost, universal attachment that some people may be able to use with a smartphone to measure blood pressure from their fingertips. News of the device was published in Scientific Reports. Hand holds blood pressure device, pulse from finger of other hand is being measuredPrototype of the BPClip, courtesy of the Digital Health Lab/University of California, San Diego.University of California, San Diego researchers developed “BPClip” for at-home access to blood pressure monitoring, especially for people who find it difficult to access health care services. A plastic clip attaches to a smartphone camera and is used with a custom smartphone application to measure blood pressure from the pulse at the user’s fingertip as the finger presses into the clip. Other cuffless devices require calibration using blood pressure cuffs. BPClip does not —…

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Award: CES 2024 Innovation Awards Honoree in the digital health and wearables technology categories

MindMics Heart Health System was an honoree recipient of the CES 2024 Innovation Awards in both the digital health and wearables technologies categories. "MindMics Heart Health System is an innovative and comprehensive solution designed to address the growing need for next-generation heart health monitoring. At the core of our technology is the patented in-ear Infrasonic Hemodynography (IH), which enables heart health monitoring through TWS earbuds. Our system combines clinical accuracy of a 99% IH-ECG correlation to measuring each heartbeat. MindMics provides users a dashboard based on their personal baseline showing physiological states in real time. Placing emphasis on stress recovery and blood pressure management, our solutions are tailored to meet individual needs, providing actionable steps for users to manage their health and thrive." Source: CES Innovation Awards® | 2024

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Webinar – Technology for Enhancing Functional Health: Monitoring Movement with Wearables and Sensors, Margie Lachman, Amanda Paluch, Jen Blankenship

https://youtu.be/VLEL_qlBLFA?si=0oCfae1LTswkZyPG Abstract:  Nearly half of adults over 75 experience functional limitations, often worsened by physical inactivity and sedentary behavior. There is an inherent need for innovative technologies—such as wearables, sensors, and AI systems—to detect early declines and support timely interventions that maintain independence and quality of life. This webinar explored potential innovative approaches that are being developed through the support of the MassAITC pilot program to support functional health and independence among older adults through wearable and ambient sensor technologies. Dr. Amanda Paluch (University of Massachusetts) presented her pilot study on detecting frailty in home environments using non-invasive, whole-room body heat sensors (Butlr Care). Her team’s interdisciplinary work aims to develop low-burden, contactless algorithms capable of continuously monitoring movement patterns to detect early signs of frailty and support interventions that promote aging in place. Dr.…

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