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.
Dr. William T. Hu presented the ASU Roybal Spring 2026 Lectureship on the role of biomarker research in advancing mechanism-driven clinical trial design for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. The session explored how biomarkers can distinguish associations from causal mechanisms, strengthen intervention development, and improve the design of rigorous, translational clinical trials. Following the lectureship, Dr.
The 2nd Arizona Digital Health Symposium brought together researchers, clinicians, industry leaders, policymakers, and community partners to advance the development and adoption of digital health technologies across Arizona. The event featured keynote presentations, panel discussions, technology showcases, and collaborative sessions focused on chronic disease prevention, enhancing patient encounters, and health data integration. Dr. Fang Yu served as a symposium co-director, helping lead discussions on translating digital health innovations into real-world impact.
The ASU and University of Michigan Roybal Centers co-hosted a two-day Clinical Trial Launch Pad Workshop, bringing together funded investigators to strengthen behavioral intervention trials through a focus on treatment fidelity and participant adherence. The workshop featured keynote presentations, interactive panel discussions, project presentations, and collaborative networking, providing practical strategies to enhance clinical trial design and implementation.