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.
Dr. Elena Portacolone shared insights from her research on engaging older adults living alone with cognitive impairment in behavioral intervention studies. The seminar highlighted evidence-based and community-engaged approaches to participant recruitment, screening, informed consent, and retention, while addressing practical challenges in conducting research with this population. Following the seminar, Dr. Portacolone met with ASU Roybal investigators to provide study-specific feedback on recruitment, screening, and informed consent strategies.
Gao, Z., & Yu, F. (2024). Hot Topic | Personalized Fitness Plans via Mobile Health Technology.
BID Core Leads Fang Yu and Rodney Joseph haves submitted a LOI titled “Optimizing Multicomponent Dyadic Interventions in Aging” with Vranceanu, Ana-Maria and Plys, Evan (CONFIDE-AD) to a funding opportunity through Research Collaborative Network (RCCN).
Crance, S., & Yu, F. (2025). Characteristics, needs, and perspectives of individuals living alone with dementia: An integrative review. Health Science Reports, 8, e70348. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39867711/
Vranceanu, A., Kronish, I., Plys, E., Syme, M., Yu, F., Gaugler, J., Rochon, E. (2025). The NIH Stage Model for Behavioral Interventions in Aging: Development, Maturation, Impact and Opportunities for Advancement. The Gerontologist https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40554676/
This free, family-friendly event brought together patients, caregivers, and community members to share the latest research and advancements in Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis and treatment. Hosted at the ASU Health Futures Center, the conference featured expert speakers, interactive sessions, and valuable resources for Alzheimer’s patients. The event provided a welcoming space for learning, connection, and support.
Dr. Johanna Drewelies presented a compelling talk on the promise and challenges of integrating multiple study designs in lifespan developmental research. Drawing from her work with the Berlin Aging Study II, she explored how combining data across time scales, settings, and levels of analysis deepens our understanding of human development. Attendees gained insight into the complexities of change over time and the value of interdisciplinary, multi-method approaches in aging research.