Cognitive Function Webinars

Past Webinar – Practical Cognitive Assessment Methods for AD/ADRD Research Projects

https://youtu.be/4weOZ9Tf-Og?si=lzfkLGsUZVZSseRz Abstract:  This webinar will examine cognitive assessment methods in Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and Alzheimer’s Disease-Related Dementias (ADRD) research, featuring insights from neuropsychology, geriatric psychiatry, and digital health technology. Panelists will highlight the challenges of accurate screening across diverse populations and settings, from community-based studies to clinical trials. Presentations will explore traditional tools like the MoCA and CDR alongside emerging digital approaches using speech AI, wearable sensors, and web-based platforms. Discussions will emphasize demographic influences, functional measures, and resource considerations in selecting appropriate screening strategies. Case studies will illustrate lessons learned in real-world pilot projects, including practice effects, scalability barriers, and the integration of cognitive and functional assessments.Attendees will gain a nuanced understanding of current and future cognitive screening tools and how to apply them effectively in research and clinical contexts. About the Speakers:  Kathryn…

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Past Webinar – LLMs for Assistance in ADRD: From Word Retrieval to Caregiver Support, Archna Bhatia and Richard Curtis

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0wLqw42_kPg Overview:  This webinar comprises two presentations by Archie Bhatia from the Institute for Human & Machine Cognition and from Richard Curtis from Ripple Care.  They each discuss the work from their MassAITC a2 Pilot awards using LLMs to help with word retrieval for older adults with ADRD and to support ADRD Caregivers. Abstracts: Integrating LLMs and Other AI Technologies in an Intelligent Cognitive Assistant for Word Retrieval Support for Older Adults with ADRD Occasional inability to retrieve words accompanies aging, even for healthy people, and especially for those with Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD). This phenomenon tends to thrust people into social isolation, resulting in an increased rate of decline. In this webinar, we will discuss the development of an Intelligent Personalized Cognitive Assistant, MyWords!, an AI-enhanced application that provides real-time word retrieval…

Continue ReadingPast Webinar – LLMs for Assistance in ADRD: From Word Retrieval to Caregiver Support, Archna Bhatia and Richard Curtis

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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Past Webinar – Digital Cognitive Assessments in Preclinical Alzheimer’s Disease, Kate Papp

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.…

Continue ReadingPast Webinar – Digital Cognitive Assessments in Preclinical Alzheimer’s Disease, Kate Papp