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28th December 2021

A coalition of different departments from the University of Pennsylvania seeks to use AI to improve Alzheimer’s care

Combining data on consumer informatics and aging with the cutting edge in Artificial Intelligence, the University of Pennsylvania’s Collaboratory seeks to better in-home care for older adults suffering from Alzheimer’s disease

The Collaboratory, comprised of the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Nursing, the Perelman School of Medicine and other departments, operates under the term “the Penn Artificial Intelligence and Technology Collaboratory for Healthy Aging” (PennAITech.)
According to the research team tasked with the broader project and led by George Demiris, Jason Karlawish and Jason Moore, the collaboration will mainly seek to use data gained from consumer informatics and aging with AI being implemented as is fit. The aim is to use cutting edge technology to develop and disseminate innovative technologies such as domestic AI that would be able to support older adults with the disease in their own homes. 

“Penn is uniquely poised to serve as a research and innovation accelerator based on our expertise in geriatric medicine, aging, Alzheimer’s disease and biomedical informatics” Image Source: GettyImages

In a press release, Demiris stated that “Aging in place is a priority for most older Americans. This goal can be challenged by chronic illness including Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. We need innovative solutions that will help us detect risks, address disparities, support decision-making and improve access to care. 
He elaborated that “the overarching goal of our Collaboratory is to facilitate the development and dissemination of such tools to help aging Americans live safely, in optimal health, and remain socially engaged. To achieve this, we will develop and implement a national pilot project funding program for the development and evaluation of cutting-edge technology.” 
On the potential of the Collaboratory, Karlawish stated that “Penn is uniquely poised to serve as a research and innovation accelerator based on our expertise in geriatric medicine, aging, Alzheimer’s disease and biomedical informatics.” 
On their goals, he elaborated that “We aim to advance the development of effective solutions that will be used in the real world and ultimately improve the lives of older adults’ and their caregivers.”  
On the protocol moving forward, the press release stated that “funded pilot projects will be supported through cores focused on administration, stakeholder engagement, technology identification and training, clinical translation and validation, networking, and ethical and policy issues. Pilot projects will be solicited from academia, industry, and health systems.”  
In terms of funding, the collaboration is being supported by the National Institute on Aging and is expected to cost $20 million during the span of five years. 
 Sourced from HealthItAnalytics