News

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcBlsqpNYeg Talk Abstract:  Light exposure is the primary regulator of human circadian rhythms, influencing many aspects of our physiology and behavior, including sleep, alertness, and mood, as well as many neuroendocrine and cognitive functions. While we have evolved experiencing “bright days and dark nights,” most of us now experience significantly darker days and brighter nights than our pre-modern ancestors, likely resulting in widespread circadian disruption. And as we age, the relationship between light exposure, circadian rhythms, and sleep can be further compromised both through normal aging (e.g., less light reaching the retina due to clouding of the lens) and age-related risk factors, such as Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), which is known to damage the brain’s master clock. This webinar will review the current science related to light exposure, circadian rhythms, and sleep, looking at aging and…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Ao6Sif3Q5Y Talk Abstract:  Our society is aging alongside a rapid increase in the evolution and advancement of technology that mediates daily life. The use and adoption of technology by older adults has increased in the recent past, but differences remain with their younger counterparts and the effects of digital disconnection in later life are more acute. This session will present recent technology adoption and use trends among older adults as well as accompanying solutions that can aid in the adoption of technology by older adults, including future directions and expected developments. About the Speaker:  As VP of Programs, Alex Glazebrook is responsible for ensuring an outstanding experience for the older adults who participate in the many training and support programs that OATS offers. Alex earned a BA, MSW, and PhD from Stony Brook University, specializing…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8mXoTsgEd-I Talk Abstract:  Beginning in infancy, individuals acquire the social and communication skills that are vital for a healthy and productive life. Children with autism face great challenges in acquiring these skills, resulting in substantial lifetime risks. As the neural basis for ASD is unclear, the diagnosis, treatment, and study of autism depends fundamentally on the analysis of child behavior. Standard methods for behavioral observation and coding are the backbone of research studies but are inherently coarse-grained and not easily scalable. In this talk I will present our research agenda that uses AI models and computer vision technology to automate the measurement of social behavior from video. Our goal is to unlock the rich behavioral information that is present in video and make it available for large-scale data-driven modeling and assessment. I will present several…

https://youtu.be/4weOZ9Tf-Og?si=lzfkLGsUZVZSseRz This webinar will explore the importance of cognitive assessments in Alzheimer's Disease and Alzheimer's Disease Related Dementia (AD/ADRD) research. It will provide an overview of these assessments, their purpose, and available tools, followed by practical tips and guidance for researchers. About the Speakers:  Kathryn V. Papp, PhD, Assistant Professor of Neurology at Harvard Medical School; Clinical Neuropsychologist at Brigham and Women's Hospital Dr. Papp’s clinical practice is focused on assessment of memory disorders. Her primary research interest is in the early detection of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) using sensitive semantic and associative memory tests as well as computerized measures and digital technologies to identify and track older adults at risk for cognitive decline. She is additionally interested in modifiable lifestyle factors which may mitigate cognitive decline in older adults.. At MassAITC, Dr. Papp is a member…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0dpRR_cDPPs Are you working at the interface of technology and gerontology? Are you a start-up or an academic entrepreneur developing medical devices, digital health therapeutics, and/or AI/ML algorithms? Do you want to learn how to plan for a regulatory submission and how incorporating regulatory planning early into your development can better inform your research? Then come join us to learn about the regulatory space for AgeTech devices and software, to hear best practices for preparing a regulatory submission, and to gain valuable perspectives from companies that have and are currently navigating this space. About the Speakers:  Ameet Sarpatwari, PhD, JD, Assistant Professor of Medicine at the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute and Harvard Medical School Dr. Sarpatwari previously served as Assistant Director of the Program On Regulation, Therapeutics, And Law (PORTAL) within the Division of…