The Arizona Alzheimer's Consortium 2025 Annual Scientific Conference brought together researchers, clinicians, trainees, and community partners from across the state to share the latest advances in Alzheimer's disease and related dementias research. The annual meeting featured scientific presentations, panel discussions, and networking opportunities focused on improving the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and care of individuals affected by Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
Center Director, Dr. Fang Yu presented an overview of the Center's scientific priorities for developing mechanism-driven, technology-enabled behavioral interventions to support older adults living alone with cognitive decline. The webinar introduced the Center's conceptual framework, highlighted its focus on the NIH Stage Model, Mechanisms of Behavior Change (MoBC), technology-enabled intervention development, and provided guidance on the Call for Trials funding opportunity for investigators.
Dr. Rodney Joseph led a webinar to help investigators prepare competitive proposals for the Center's funding opportunity. The session introduced the experimental medicine framework, Mechanisms of Behavior Change (MoBC), and the NIH Stage Model, providing practical guidance for designing technology-enabled behavioral interventions for older adults living alone with cognitive decline.
Dr. Matthew Growdon presented a guest lecture on high-risk medication use among older adults living alone with cognitive impairment. The presentation explored medication management challenges, patient experiences, and evidence-based approaches to improving medication safety and prescribing practices for older adults.
Dr. Zan Gao presented a workshop on emerging applications of artificial intelligence (AI), mobile health (mHealth), wearable technologies, and virtual reality in personalized health interventions. The session explored how technology can support behavior change, increase physical activity, and advance innovative approaches to healthy aging.
Drs. Fang Yu and Joseph Gaugler presented a webinar on developing competitive grant proposals in dementia care science. The session provided guidance on designing mechanism-driven behavioral interventions, aligning proposals with the NIH Stage Model and funding priorities, and strengthening applications through clear scientific rationale, methodological rigor, and strategic grant writing practices.
Dr. Gizem Hülür, Professor of Developmental Psychology at the University of Bamberg, Germany, presented a guest lecture on the role of social connections and digital communication in later-life cognitive and emotional functioning. Drawing on longitudinal and daily-life research, the presentation explored how everyday social interactions and technology use influence cognition, mood, and well-being among older adults.
Drs. Ross Andel, Fang Yu, David Coon, Molly Maxfield, Abigail Gomez-Morales participated in a panel discussion at the 2026 AAAS Annual Meeting on technology-enabled solutions for older adults living alone with cognitive decline. The panel explored the unique challenges faced by this growing population and highlighted innovative behavioral interventions designed to improve independence, cognitive health, and quality of life through technology-enabled approaches.
In collaboration with the Massachusetts AI & Technology Center (MassAITC), Dr. Fang Yu presented a webinar on developing and testing mechanism-driven, technology-enabled interventions for older adults living alone with cognitive decline. The session highlighted the Center's scientific priorities, including the NIH Stage Model, Mechanisms of Behavior Change (MoBC), and technology-enabled intervention design, while providing guidance for investigators developing innovative research proposals aligned with these priorities.
Dr. Alan Stevens presented a webinar on GamePlan4Care, a technology-based intervention designed to support family caregivers of individuals living with dementia. The session highlighted how digital tools can expand access to evidence-based caregiving resources, enhance caregiver skills and support, and improve the delivery of person- and family-centered dementia care through innovative technology.