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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPkrI7U3QMI Abstract: In this webinar, Dr. Diane Cook (Washington State University) introduces the concept of digital twins as a powerful framework for modeling the health, behavior, and environmental context of older adults in real time. Drawing from years of research in smart homes and pervasive computing, Dr. Cook explains how sensor-based monitoring can be used to build personalized digital representation, i.e. “twins" of individuals, enabling proactive support for aging in place. This talk outlines the components and lifecycle of a digital twin, including data streams from ambient sensors, activity recognition, anomaly detection, and health trajectory modeling. Dr. Cook highlights applications in detecting changes in daily routines, predicting health risks, and informing interventions before crises occur. She shares findings from longitudinal studies, discusses the potential for integrating AI with environmental and behavioral data, and emphasizes the…

https://youtu.be/vvpCWUdphQ0?si=KDt2x3pLg8aM0HYC Abstract: The aging of the population, especially the increase in individuals aged 85 and beyond, has vast implications for our economic, social, and political systems. Clearly, the increased number of older individuals in our society is associated with many positive implications. Most older adults are independent, active, and want to remain productively engaged. There are also challenges associated with “population aging.” For example, the incidence of chronic disease increases with age, as does the likelihood of developing a functional limitation. Thus, there is a significant need to identify strategies to promote independence and well-being among aging adults. At the same time, that the population of older people is increasing we are witnessing an explosion in the development of technologies. Technology has become ubiquitous in all aspects of life and assuming increasing importance in society…

https://youtu.be/EpOYQnm0oJY?si=U0nU7Ao-LGkH30RC Abstract: Traditional paper-based cognitive assessments, while the current gold standard in clinical trials for Alzheimer’s disease (AD), lack the sensitivity and ecological validity needed to detect subtle cognitive changes in preclinical stages. Dr. Kate Papp’s work highlights cutting-edge approaches leveraging digital technologies—ranging from AI-analyzed speech and digital pens to ecological momentary assessments and learning curve paradigms. Her team’s development of the Boston Remote Assessment for Neurocognitive Health (BRANCH) demonstrates how multi-day, web-based testing on participants’ own devices can identify diminished learning effects over days—correlating with AD biomarkers and predicting cognitive decline. This talk also addresses validation challenges, participant adherence, and data privacy considerations crucial for adoption in clinical trials. These insights underscore the potential of digital cognitive measures to accelerate early detection, improve trial efficiency, and support Alzheimer’s prevention efforts globally. Biography: Kathryn V.…

https://youtu.be/sXAMmZZ5YEM?si=d5QDssWNCXVmchEP Abstract: Digital technologies offer unprecedented opportunities to revolutionize cognitive health monitoring and Alzheimer’s disease prevention. Current high-burden, clinic-based assessments can be augmented by passive engagement technologies—leveraging smartphones and their array of embedded sensors for continuous, unobtrusive data collection. At the Framingham Heart Study and BU Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, multi-sensor approaches combining smartphone applications, digital voice, eye-tracking, and in-home monitoring are being deployed to detect subtle cognitive and behavioral changes. Through the Davos Alzheimer’s Collaborative, a global minimal viable protocol has been launched, integrating digital and blood-based biomarkers across diverse populations. Data sharing via the Alzheimer’s Disease Data Initiative (ADDI) is accelerating discovery through open challenges and collaborative analytics. This paradigm shift emphasizes inclusivity, rethinking traditional study designs, and advancing from digital phenotyping to truly dynamic, multi-dimensional digital biomarkers. The long-term goal is early…